Breast Cancer (BC) Awareness Month
1 out of 8 women (lifetime risk 12%) will develop breast cancer
1 out of 100 men
BC accounts for 30% of all new cancers diagnosed in women
Risk Factors include: family history, BRCA gene mutation, prior atypical hyperplasia or LCIS, early menarche, late menopause, no pregnancies, older age at first pregnancy, increasing age, no breast-feeding, ashkenazi Jewish, obesity, hormone replacement therapy, excess alcohol consumption, smoking, dense breasts on mammogram, & chest irradiation in young women
Women should be screened for risk factors by age 30
The goal of screening: early detection in asymptomatic patients to improve survival and avoid more intensive treatments
Women should be educated on breast self-awareness, their own risk factors, the various modalities for imaging the breast, and develop an individualized recommendation for type and frequency of testing. Risk assessment models (eg: IBIS) can identify women at increased risk of BC and allow patients to incorporate early or additional screening options including MRI, ultrasound, and risk reduction strategies.
I start discussing breast self awareness at the first annual exam. In average risk patients, I order a baseline mammo at 35, then yearly at age 40. We take a detailed history to identify risk factors. We offer BRCA testing in our office, and we refer to several comprehensive breast centers. The advent of tomosynthesis (3D mammo), ultrasound, breast examination and MRI are all helpful tools in early diagnosis. Working together- we can win this fight! #breastcancerawareness #getyourmammogram #fightbreastcancer #pinkforbreastcancerawareness🎀 #conciergeobgyn #hoagdoc #momdoc #lovemyjob #2weeksold