Breast cancer info abounds; self-exams vital to detection

For years, health care professionals and organizations such as the American Cancer Society have been sounding the alarm about breast cancer, encouraging proactive engagement in the fight against a disease that reportedly strikes one in eight women.

Over time, some of the recommendations have changed as new studies revealed more information.

Recently, the ACS reported findings that may seem counterintuitive to a proactive approach to early detection, as it moved back the age that it is recommended for women to have annual mammograms.

The American Cancer Society reported that yearly mammograms should begin at age 45 and that, thereafter, women may cut down to every other year, starting at 55.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, meanwhile, does not recommend yearly exams. Instead, it recommends scans every other year, and not until age 50.

While conflicting information can be confusing to women, here's a takeaway: Both organizations say women should have the option to have mammograms earlier, if they wish to do so.

Mammograms are still deemed important.

But breast cancer is not reserved for older women. Though rare, young women also contract the disease. All women should perform regular self-exams. Local women, even in their 20s, have shared stories with the Southeast Missourian about detecting a lump through self-examination, which led to early diagnosis and a cancer-free outcome after treatment.

Advancement in medicine continues to bring awareness to the disease and how to treat it. For example, the Southeast Missourian recently reported on a study sponsored by the National Cancer Institute describing a gene-activity test that was used to gauge who can bypass chemotherapy.

Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are reminded of the importance of staying on top of detection and treatment. There is a plethora of information out there, and it is important to stay tuned in to risks, conduct regular self-exams, and consult a physician when circumstances warrant it.