HEALTH

EARLY DETECTION

for Breast Cancer is a Game Changer

Breast cancer is still the #1 cancer among women in the US and the most common cancer in the world, with 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2020 (1). However, screening initiatives and advances in breast imaging over the last 40 years have been game changers. Imaging modalities have improved to the point that we are now able to detect breast cancer so early that it cannot be seen with the naked eye nor felt to the touch. This is what screening is, detecting a disease when it’s still too early to have symptoms. Thus, this is why screening for breast cancer is so important. The earlier we find it the better, as you will probably need less treatment to get rid of it and more likely to achieve a cure.

The first thing you should ask yourself: am I at high risk to develop breast cancer?

If ANY of the following applies to you, then you should start having the discussion with your primary care provider (starting at age 25 as an MRI might need to be done in addition to the annual mammogram): ● Have extremely dense breasts ● Have a personal history of breast cancer ● Received radiotherapy to the chest between ages 10 and 30 ● Have a strong family history of breast cancer, especially in the case of a first degree family (parent, brother, sister, or child) ● Have a genetic predisposition, as those with the BRCA gene, Ashkenazy Jew ascendance, Li Fraumeni, Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba and Cowden’s syndromes or first degree relatives with any of these ● Have a calculated lifetime risk of breast cancer over 20% When should I start screening?

At age 40, women in general should discuss possible benefits and complications of beginning breast cancer screening with their health provider. The American Cancer Society recommends women should have the choice to start screening annually between ages 40 to 44 and officially recommend starting annual mammograms from age 45 to 49.

At age 50, you may choose between annual or biennial screening mammography. Those with a higher risk of developing breast cancer might want to consider continuing annual imaging while those with a lower risk to develop breast cancer could get imaging every two years. Screening should end when you are no longer expected to live for more than 10

Dr. Vangie Texidor, General Surgeon affiliated with

(formally Westchester General Hospital) years. Breast Exams

This is a bit controversial as there is no clear evidence that a breast exam by yourself or performed by your doctor might help detect a mass when you get screening images as you should. However, it is always recommended to be familiar with your breasts so that you can notice any changes.

Do not be afraid! Start your screening today. Early detection often means less need for treatment and higher chances of a cure. 1. Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, et al. Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries. CA Cancer J Clin 2021; 71:209.

Vangie Texidor, MD, FACS, is the board-certified general surgeon at TM Surgical (www.tmsurgical.com) in Doral, FL, who practices evidence-based medicine providing patients with the most updated treatments available. She is affiliated with Keralty Hospital Miami, formerly known as Westchester General Hospital. Keralty Hospital Miami has served the greater South Florida community since 1967, with 125 beds and specialized services such as Emergency Medicine, Surgical Services, and Intensive Care Units. Keralty Hospital Miami is located at 2500 S.W. 75th Ave., Miami, Florida 33155. For more information, visit www.keraltyhospital.com or contact Paola Rivas, Community Liaison at PRivas@keraltyhospital.com.