Breast Cancer Screening: How to Choose the Right One for You?

When your doctor tells you about a breast cancer test, you may wonder, "What's the best test for me? Why is he telling me to do the one he told my friend to do instead?" This is actually a question that many people have. Because breast cancer tests are not done the same way for everyone. There are many reasons for this. So today we're going to talk about this, to help you choose the best test for you.

Why are breast cancer screenings so important?

Simply put, breast cancer is still the most common type of cancer among women. It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. That is why screening is so important. The main goal of any cancer screening is to detect cancer early .

There are several benefits we get from breast cancer screening:

• You can detect cancer before you have any symptoms.
• The possibility of completely curing cancer is greatly increased.
• The cost of treatment can be reduced.
• There is an opportunity to resort to simple treatments with fewer side effects.

Breast cancer screening is not the same for everyone.

There are several main types of tests to detect breast cancer. Not all tests are the same for everyone. Your doctor will recommend the test that is most appropriate for you based on many factors, including your age, health, and family history.

If you have a high risk of developing breast cancer (for example, if someone in your family has had cancer) or if you have dense breasts , your doctor may recommend an ultrasound or MRI scan in addition to a mammogram.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Let's now answer some of the questions you may have when talking about these tests.

How to overcome the discomfort and fear of having a mammogram?

A mammogram is not an hour-long procedure like an MRI. It takes just a few minutes. So there's nothing to worry about. But if you're feeling uncomfortable or scared, talk to the technicians before the test. They can help you feel less pain and discomfort.

Can mammograms cause costochondritis?

Costochondritis is simply inflammation of your ribs or the tissues around them. This can cause chest pain when you breathe or move your body. When the mammogram machine presses on your breast, it can also put some pressure on the area around your ribs. This is very rare . You may feel some pain, especially if you are thin and have little fat tissue. If this happens, tell your doctor and technician about it the next time you go in.

If someone with dense breasts gets an ultrasound every year, does she also need a mammogram?

Absolutely yes. Breast ultrasound alone is not very effective in detecting cancer. The main and most effective method of detecting cancer is a mammogram. An ultrasound is only done as an additional help to a mammogram. Therefore, we recommend that you do not have an ultrasound alone.

How do these tests apply to transgender people?

There are no specific guidelines for this yet, but the general recommendation is:

• Trans men who were registered as female at birth and transitioned to male: Unless they have undergone bilateral mastectomies, it is important to continue to have mammograms .
• Trans women: They may have a slightly increased risk of cancer because they take female hormones (estrogen). However, because their breast tissue is not the same as that of cisgender women, there are no clear recommendations on what to do.

The best thing to do is to talk openly about this with your doctor .

How do these tests affect those who have had breast surgery (implants or reduction)?

After breast augmentation or reduction surgery, scar tissue can form in the breasts. This can sometimes make it difficult for the radiologist to read the mammogram report. This can lead to false positives , meaning that there is no cancer. But we are not saying to avoid these surgeries just because of that. The most important thing is to talk to your doctor and keep getting tested. An MRI scan may provide better images.

Are women without children at higher risk of breast cancer?

Yes, it is considered a risk factor. The reason is that during pregnancy, your body takes a 9-month break from the production of estrogen hormones that occur during your normal monthly cycle. This break is what reduces your risk of breast cancer. Therefore, not having children or having your first child after the age of 30 is considered a small risk factor. But it is only a small risk factor . If you have other major risk factors, this small factor, when added to them, can put you in a high-risk category.