4 Key Insights Regarding Breast Cancer:

Breast Cancer Screening and You: What You Should Know

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches, it's crucial to understand key facts about the disease and how to support those affected. Here's a breakdown of four important aspects, as well as information on a webinar that could help you navigate this challenging journey.

1. Breast Cancer Can Strike Any Age

Although breast cancer is most common in women over 50, it can occur at any age. The incidence among younger women has been increasing steadily. A recent study found a surge in cases of estrogen-receptor-positive tumors [Source A], which may be linked to delayed pregnancy or fewer children, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, hormone use, alcohol consumption, smoking, and working night shifts [Source B]. Regular screening, especially for those with a family history of breast cancer, is essential. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc, screenings should begin 10 years before the age of diagnosis for a first-degree relative [Source C].

2. Personalized Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer screening recommendations vary based on an individual's risk factors. For women at average risk, mammography screening should begin between ages 40 and 50 and continue every one to two years through age 74 [Source D][Source E]. Women with higher risk, such as those carrying the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, should undergo MRI and mammography as early as 25 to 29, switching to annual screenings once they reach 30 [Source F]. Starting in 2026, health plans must cover initial mammography plus additional imaging and pathology evaluations for women without cost-sharing [Source G][Source H].

3. Breast Cancer May Not Start as a Lump

Early-stage breast cancers often have no symptoms. If a lump is detected, it may indicate that the cancer is growing or has progressed. Watch out for other signs such as nipple changes, discharge, warmth, swelling, dimpling, or breast pain [Source I]. If you notice any changes, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

4. Lower Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Regular screening is important, but there are other ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, limiting or avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, breastfeeding, and avoiding hormone therapy for menopause are all measures you can take to protect yourself [Source J].

Empower Your Choices After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That's why we are hosting a webinar titled "Overwhelmed but Strong: Empowering Your Choices After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis." Our aim is to provide clarity and support to individuals going through this experience.

Our webinar will feature Dr. Anthony Tang, a breast cancer surgeon, Ms. Sheny John, a senior director and senior principal physiotherapist, and our own Dr. Sylvia as moderator.

Webinar Details:

Title: Overwhelmed but Strong: Empowering Your Choices After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Date: Tuesday, October 1st, 2024
Time: 3 pm (Asia/Singapore)
Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctc-2uqj8uGtOlM9RhL36ewhc-hYa_JGs3#/registration

Getting support from loved ones and through education can help you or someone you know navigate breast cancer. Share this post or the webinar link to make a difference together.

Sources:

[Source A] - https://medicine.wustl.edu/news/breast-cancer-rates-increasing-among-younger-women/
[Source B] - https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-myths/
[Source C] - https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/hormones
[Source D] - https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations-for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html
[Source E] - https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/get-screened/breast-cancer/mammogram.html
[Source F] - https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/breast-cancer-screening-finally-40-is-the-new-50-experts-say
[Source G] - https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/risk-factors/index.html
[Source H] - https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/symptoms
[Source I] - If you would like to be an informed patient, please contact us at 65-6801-4000 or [email protected]
[email protected]

Enrichment Data:

Updated Recommendations for Breast Cancer Screening

For Women at Average Risk

Age Range: Screening mammography should begin no earlier than age 40 and no later than age 50 for women at average risk [Source D][Source E].
Frequency: Screening should occur at least biennially and as frequently as annually, continuing through at least age 74 [Source D][Source E].

For Women at Higher Risk

BRCA Mutation or Similar High-Risk Factors: Women with BRCA mutations or similar high-risk factors are advised to start breast MRI screening between ages 25 to 29. At age 30, they should add screening mammography to their regimen, continuing both MRI and mammography.
Additional Imaging: For both average and high-risk groups, additional imaging such as MRI, ultrasound, or further mammography may be covered without cost-sharing if necessary to complete the screening process, starting in 2026 [Source G][Source H].

New Guidelines

Comprehensive Coverage: Beginning in 2026, health plans must cover initial mammography plus additional imaging and pathology evaluations needed for screening, without cost-sharing [Source G][Source H].
Patient Navigation Services: Plans must also provide patient navigation services for breast and cervical cancer screening [Source H].

These guidelines reflect the latest recommendations from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and aim to enhance the detection and management of breast cancer across different risk profiles.

Regular screenings for breast cancer, including mammography, are essential, particularly for women with a family history of the disease, as breast cancer can occur at any age and the incidence among younger women has been increasing.
For women at average risk, mammography screenings may begin between ages 40 and 50 and continue every one to two years through age 74. However, for women with higher risk, such as those carrying the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, screenings may need to start as early as 25 to 29, and they should undergo MRI and mammography annually once they reach 30.
Early-stage breast cancers may not produce symptoms, but watch out for signs such as nipple changes, discharge, warmth, swelling, dimpling, or breast pain. If you notice any changes, contact your healthcare provider immediately.