Austin Medical Times

Page 1

Recognizing National Breast Cancer Month

October Edition 2019

Inside This Issue

Detecting Breast Cancer – from Vigilance to Suspicion to Confirmation By Caroline Coombs-Skiles, M.D., FACS, Texas Breast Specialists–Austin Central

Exercise could slow withering effects of Alzheimer’s See pg. 10

INDEX Legal Matters....................... pg.3 Financial Forecast............. pg.4 Mental Health...................... pg.6

UT Health Austin Recognized for Using Integrated Technology to Benefit Patients See pg. 12

A

cornerstone of health consciousness for adult women includes being on the lookout for breast cancer. There’s plenty of evidence that this eternal vigilance is worth it. In fact, early stage breast cancer that hasn’t spread has a 99 percent five-year survival rate. The path from routine screening to suspected cancer to confirmed diagnosis usually is the shorter part of a longer cancer journey. But better understanding of these preliminary steps can help set you on the right course for a successful cancer fight. Over the past 30 years, research shows a steady decline in mortality rates due to a combination of early detection and improvements in treatment. Early detection is key because cancer in its early stages and localized to one location is the most treatable. Screening and testing methods and technologies continue to advance and include 3D mammograms which are currently available in some areas, and new blood tests that are in development. These innovations and

all screening options are intended to work in combination with this essential, albeit decidedly low-tech recommendation: Discuss with your

changes to a physician. Conducting regular self-exams is important in detection, but it has limitations in detecting early stage breast cancer, when symptoms do not always appear. That’s why physicians recommend additional screenings. Screenings Preventative, proactive screenings, such as mammograms, clinical breast exams, and MRI, are the most effective methods for early detection. Screenings can find cancer cells before symptoms are present. Mammograms, which use low-dose X-ray images to identify potentiallycancerous breast changes, are the most common screening. Mammograms identify any abnormal areas in the breast, such as calcifications (white spots) and masses (tumors) that can only be detected from screenings. According to the American Cancer Society, women who receive regular mammograms are more likely to detect

Over the past 30 years, research shows a steady decline in mortality rates due to a combination of early detection and improvements in treatment. Early detection is key because cancer in its early stages and localized to one location is the most treatable. doctor your individual risk factors, such as age, menopausal status, and family history. Self-Exams Starting in their 20s, women should check their breasts monthly for lumps or unusual changes in feeling, appearance, or discharge. Pay attention to how your breasts normally look and feel, and immediately report any

see Breast Cancer.. page 14

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