What Every Woman Should Know
In the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death. One in every five deaths in the United States is due to cancer. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women. In 2020, 239,612 new cases of breast cancer were reported among women. For every 100,000 women, 119 new female breast cancer cases were reported and 19 women died of this cancer. The median age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis is 62. On average, the risk of a woman developing breast cancer in the United States is about 13%, or a 1 in 8 chance.
Screening for Breast Cancer
Though breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, many women with breast cancer have no symptoms. This emphasizes the importance of regular breast cancer screening. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, but other symptoms are possible. There are multiple tests that can be used to look for and diagnose breast cancer.
- Women between the ages of 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
- Women age 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year.
- Women 55 and older have the option to get screened every other year, or they can continue yearly mammograms.
Most people diagnosed with breast cancer need breast surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. Breast surgery refers to various procedures that alter breast tissue. The team at Surgical Clinic, PC specializes in diagnosing and treating breast cancer and performs many breast surgery procedures. Types of breast surgery include:
- Biopsy – your surgeon can use various techniques (e.g., fine-needle aspiration or core biopsy) to remove tissue or fluid from your breast, and send the tissue sample to the lab for analysis
- Lumpectomy – a breast-conserving surgical procedure where the cancer and some of the surrounding healthy tissues are removed. Your surgeon may also remove your lymph nodes. After a lumpectomy, additional treatment is still needed, such as radiation therapy.
- Simple Mastectomy – surgeon removes the entire breast, but not the lymph nodes. Women who have a higher risk of a breast cancer diagnosis may consider a simple mastectomy as a means of prevention.
- Modified Radical Mastectomy – removal of the entire breast tissue and the lymph nodes under the arm, but not the chest wall muscles.
- Radical Mastectomy – removal of breast, lymph nodes and chest wall muscles.
Healthy Habits
- Perform a breast self-exam approximately once a month
- Stay physically active
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet
- Do not smoke
With increasing rates of breast cancer in women in the United States, it is imperative for women to advocate for themselves and be very observant about any changes or symptoms they may notice. If you notice anything unusual, talk to one of our healthcare providers at Surgical Clinic, PC. We invite you to explore our website at www.surgicalclinicpc.com to learn more about our surgeons and services provided.
Surgical Clinic, PC-When you need expert surgical care close to home.
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