Early detection is key in surviving breast cancer

Think of eight women in your life … your mom, grandma, sister, neighbor or friend from school, book club or church.

Chances are good that at least one will have, or has had, breast cancer.

In fact, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), one in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the U.S., except for skin cancers. It’s also the deadliest type for women.

However, advances in treatment, improved diagnostic and screening tools, and a better understanding of this disease are leading to better outcomes. 

Mammograms make a difference

Breast cancer has a 99 percent five-year survivability rate if the cancer is located only in the breast – and that may largely be due to the positive impact of screening mammography.

Since 1990, screening mammograms have helped reduce breast cancer mortality by 40 percent by detecting small, early-stage breast cancers.

When to start? How often?

So when should you or someone you love start getting mammograms? And how often? It depends.

Experts agree mammograms are the best screening test for women at average risk. But they don’t all agree on the age at which a woman should start or whether it is better for her to be screened every year or every two years. 

One of the leading sources, the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce, currently recommends the following:

• Women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram no less than every two years.

• Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or other health care professional about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.

• Women who are younger than 40 years or older than 75 years should talk to their doctor about the potential benefits and risks of screening mammography for their age.

• Keep in mind that three out of four women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease and are not considered high risk.

While breast cancer is more common in women who are white or Hispanic, Black women tend to have more aggressive breast cancers with greater mortality rates. It is especially important for Black women who are in their 30s to talk with their doctor about screening for breast cancer.

Mammography is covered

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most health insurance plans are required to cover screening mammograms every one to two years, beginning at age 40, with no out-of-pocket cost (like a co-pay, deductible or co-insurance).

Did you know that free or low-cost mammograms and pap smears are available? If you can’t pay for screenings, call 800/992-1817 or visit the CDC screening page to learn more.

Self-exams are important too

In addition to regular mammograms, do a self-exam every month (two weeks after your last menstrual period). Check for any unusual changes such as:

• Changes and lumps on the inside or outside of your breasts, chest, pectoral muscles, collarbone, nipples, torso or underarms.

• Strange discharge or fluid from the nipples that is bloody, clear or pus-like that smells foul.

• Skin changes that are bumpy, dark, different color, itchy, painful, puckered, rash-like, redness, sores, ulcers, shrunken, swollen or tender.

Diagnosed with breast cancer? We’re here to help.

If you or a loved one receives a diagnosis of breast cancer, the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center in Bellingham is here for you. We offer the full spectrum of care for all types of breast cancer – whether it’s primary or metastatic (has spread); stage I or stage IV; invasive or inflammatory.

Cancer is a journey that should never be taken alone. Our goal is to offer every patient compassionate, comprehensive breast care and give you hope and support every step of the way.

Our multidisciplinary team partners with patients and their families to design a personalized treatment plan. That team may include oncologists, radiologists and surgeons, as well as social workers and a nurse navigator.

Our nurse navigators are here to answer your questions, help you understand your diagnosis and treatment plan, schedule your doctor appointments and tests, and coordinate transportation and financial assistance.

The field of breast cancer care is always evolving. PeaceHealth is committed to staying up-to-date on advances to deliver care that can help improve outcomes for you, your family and our whole community.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Remember: Being proactive about breast health can help you and all of the other women in your life find breast cancer early and get life-saving treatment.

To reach the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center, call 360/215-3294. To schedule a mammogram, call Mount Baker Imaging at 360/647-2422.

Lisa Hazard, MD, joined the radiation oncology team at the St. Joseph Medical Center Cancer Center in April 2022. She is experienced in treating all types of cancer using state-of-the-art technologies, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy and image-guided radiation therapy.