Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/84343
live in good health Getting Cancer Screening Guidelines Straight By Bess Donoghue Why have the guidelines been updated? There are valid reasons to reexamine the guidelines; there are indolent forms of breast can- cer that are not necessarily beneficial to treat. Plus, studies have shown that false positives are higher on mammograms in women in their 40s which can lead to anxiety and biopsies that ultimately yield negative results. However, public health concerns must always be bal- anced with the individual screening needs of the woman. Why does the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommend against teaching breast self-examination? Studies did not show a clear benefit in terms of detection. Additionally, anxiety and unnec- essary evaluations may have occurred due to examining the breast at a time in the menstrual cycle where breasts were more hormonally active. Nevertheless, it seems valid that every woman educate herself about her own particular breast texture. What guidelines do you recommend women follow for breast cancer screening? I support the current American Cancer Society screening recommendations for women of average risk, which indicate that clinical breast exams should start at age 20 and occur at least every three years through age 39. By age 40, annual mammograms and clinical breast exams should be scheduled. For those at higher risk, clinical breast exams are recommend- ed every six to 12 months, mammography starts around age 25, and additional testing such as MRI may be recommended. 12 BRAVA Magazine October 2012 To self-examine or not to self-examine? Mammograms… how often? After the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggested new breast cancer screening guidelines in 2009, confusion about proper protocol continues for many. To help you navigate the guidelines, Dr. Alysia Townsend, of Monroe Clinic in Monroe, offers up-to-date insight and valuable advice Prevention Rules Take ownership of your health with breast cancer prevention tips from Townsend Focus on overall health: "Exercise regularly, get adequate sleep nightly, and eat a well-balanced diet without ex- cessive animal protein," Dr. Townsend says. "Additionally, women should observe low to moderate alcohol use, avoid nicotine, maintain a healthy weight, and breast-feed if they can." Don't ignore symptoms: Look for anything unusual with the nipples such as discharge or bleeding, an itchy or scaly rash or any retraction of the nipples. With the breasts or underarms, watch out for lumps or skin changes, swelling, warmth, redness or pigment changes, or unresolved pain localized to a particular spot. Townsend recom- mends visiting your local physician should any of these symptoms occur. Get educated: "Familiarizing oneself with one's unique breast texture and variations is vital," Townsend says. "In terms of cancer detection, finding something different from a previous self-breast examination, a change in texture, or a new lump would be warning signs to bring to your doctor's attention." She encourages women to read information regarding techniques for self-breast examinations and breast textures at komen.org or about.com.