How to Catch Cancer Early

By Vera Viner

Women who have reached 40 years of age are encouraged to receive annual mammograms in order to diagnose a cancer early, if it does occur. Mammography is one of the few ways to catch a cancer early and older women should partake in this annually to reduce their risk of death from cancer.

Essentially, a mammogram is an X-ray of a woman’s breasts that is able to pick up any abnormalities in the breast, such as lumps or dark tissues. Mammograms are conducted by placing the breasts between two plates and compressing the tissues until an X-ray image is taken.

While older women should partake in both annual mammography and monthly breast self-exams, younger women will find it sufficient to solely partake in regular breast self-examinations.

If you are more than 40 years old, talk to your doctor about scheduling a yearly mammogram screening. Catching cancerous clusters early in the breast is one of the few ways to ensure that your doctor can save your life. Finding a tumor early through mammography could mean that your cancer will not spread to other parts of your body with the right treatment.

Mammograms and biopsies are also useful in determining whether a lump in the breast is cancerous, according to the National Cancer Institute. If you felt a lump or experienced breast pain, nipple discharge, or changes in the shape of your breast, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. Your physician may schedule a mammogram and possibly a biopsy based on your symptoms.

While there are clearly benefits to mammography, some negatives include the possibility of false-positive results and small doses of radiation exposure. The National Cancer Institute recommends all women over the age of 40 to partake in mammography every one to two years.

Breast cancer does not discriminate. To ensure you are cancer-free or to catch your cancer early, make sure to partake in annual mammograms and monthly breast self-exams. Additionally, a plant-based diet, regular exercise, and abstaining from smoking cigarettes and drinking excessively will go a long way to preventing breast cancer.