Breast Cancer Survival Clues

If an abnormality of the breast is detected on a mammogram or by

physical exam, then the patient will usually be referred for additional

diagnostic imaging tests, such as an ultrasound. Depending upon the test

results, the patient may be sent for a biopsy of the breast. The only way

to definitely rule in breast cancer is by biopsy. This discussion

concerns breast cancer survival, and aspects of the process of diagnoses

and treatment, including recent advances.

Beginning in the early 1970's modern mammography techniques began to

become widely accessible for all women. Breast cancer survival beame a

real possiblity for many women as screening and diagnostic tools were

refined and perfected. Investment in research studies began to bear fruit

and the process of diagnosing and treating breast cancer is very precise

now.

The decision-making algorithm for breast cancer diagnosis and detection

has become very advanced. But the actual statistics displayed below tend

to vary greatly from area to area as a function of the patient and

population demographics.

The discovery of a breast lump can be very stressful for a woman, no

matter whether that lump was discovered by accident, by a routine breast

self assessment exam, or by a clinical examination. Breast lumps can be a

sign of breast cancer. Therefore, breast lumps should be examined by a

doctor. Fortunately, most breast lumps are not caused by cancer.

First of all, it's critical for every woman to practice a monthly breast

self-exams starting at age 20 for breast cancer survival. Such self-exams

let women become familiar with how the breasts look and feel so that they

may more quickly detect any changes that might occur. A lot of women have

some natural lumpiness and asymmetry (differences between the left and

right breast).

The main point of the breast self-exam to realize how the breasts change

over time. If you find a new lump and it does not go away after

menstruation, then you should discuss it with a doctor to have it

evaluated.

It is impossible for a woman or a doctor to be sure if a breast lump

means that breast cancer exists until an examination using imaging

technology such as a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy are taken. A

biopsy consist of removing a piece of tissue from the breast and looking

at it through a microscope to figure out if it has cancer cells. But

there are specific characteristics that lumps have that could indicate if

there is a greater chance that you could have cancer or you don't have

cancer.

To discover a lump in the breast, by accident, an exam, or a self

assessment can be a symptom of breast cancer. Any lump that remains for

an extended period of time should receive a thorough evaluation by a

doctor. It is crucial for women to have the custom of doing breast-self

exams monthly starting at 20 years old for breast cancer survival. The

key to an effective self examination is to recognize any changes in your

breasts that continue over time. A physician or a woman may not be able

to know for sure if the lump is cancerous unless a mammogram, ultrasound

and biopsy are done.