Why Screening for Breast Cancer is Critical for Early Detection

Dr Mohammed Islam MBBS, FRACP Icon Cancer Centre Lower Ground 3, 14 Hill Street Southport (07) 5634 2400 | admin.goldcoastprivate@icon.team

October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is the most prevalent cancer and second most common cause of cancer death in women in Australia1. Whilst rare, breast cancer can also occur in males.

Detection of breast cancer while it is still small and confined to the breast provides the best chance of effective treatment for women with the disease2,3. Fortunately, screening can detect breast cancer up to three years earlier than it would be able to be felt by a patient4. Thus, screening for breast cancer is critical to ensure a patient is in the best position to for survival should they develop breast cancer.

The primary screening method to examine for tumours or other breast abnormalities is a mammogram. For breast which is particularly dense, a breast ultrasound (USS) may also be required, and in extenuating circumstances an MRI can be performed.

In Australia, it is recommended screening occurs every two years from the ages of 50 to 74. Women can access free mammograms (every 2 years) from the age of 40, however it is important to note that the incidence of false positives is increased below the age of 50. This may result in unnecessary anxiety for patients, insurance issues and potential over-treatment.

As a result, earlier screening is typically only recommended for patients who present high-risk factors. These include:

• Personal history of breast, ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry • Genetic predisposition with BRACA1 or BRACA 2 mutations • Family history of breast cancer in first degree relatives • Higher levels of mammographic breast density • Early menarche • Late menopause • Radiotherapy to the chest between 10 and 30 years of age

To access screening before 50, there must be shared decision between clinician and patient to start screening based on benefit and harm. It is advised that women aged 75 years and older are only offered screening if their life expectancy is more than 10 years.

If breast cancer is found through the screening process, it is critical patients are given the best possible chance to beat their cancer. There are advanced treatment options available including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapies.

An experienced multi-disciplinary team (MDT) can help determine the best course of treatment for the patient depending on their individual circumstances, stage of cancer, health factors and treatment preferences.

Dr Mohammed Islam is an experienced medical oncologist who consults and treats patients at Icon Cancer Centre Southport. He is experienced in caring for a wide range of solid tumour malignancies, with a special interest in colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancers and urogenital cancers.

For more information or to refer a patient, visit iconcancercentre. com.au/centre/southport, email admin.southport@icon.team or call 07 5657 6400.

References

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2021). Cancer in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/ getmedia/0ea708eb-dd6e-4499-9080-1cc7b5990e64/ aihw-can-144.pdf.aspx?inline=true 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program -

Reducing Mortality Through Screening. Atlanta, 2004. 3. Smith RA, Saslow D, Sawyer KA, et al. American Cancer

Society guidelines for breast cancer screening: update 2003. CA Cancer J Clin. 2003;53 (3):141-69 4. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Is a

Mammogram?: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/ basic_info/mammograms.html