The occurrence of breast cancer in women has quadrupled in the last decade. We can either debate all the reasons for it or get proactive and do something about it. While the Susan G Komen foundation has been striving to create awareness among women both nationally and globally, there are still those that think breast cancer is an old woman's disease. While this may have been true several decades ago, it is not, anymore - all the more reason for early screening and detection. As someone interested in one of the many FBI Nursing Jobs, I took it upon myself to look into screening before I enrolled in online nursing classes at one of the top online BSN nursing programs.
The aim of screening is to detect breast cancer in its early stages even before the symptoms begin to appear. Early detection can lead to early diagnosis, early treatment and a timely cure. Unfortunately breast cancers that are diagnosed after symptoms appear have usually spread beyond the rest. However, breast cancers that are detected solely based on screening are likely to be localized. The prognosis of the patient strongly depends on how early breast cancer is detected.
The American Cancer Society, the premier authority of cancer in North America has guidelines for the early detection of cancer and successful treatment. These guidelines especially for women over the age of 40, although this cancer is being detected even with much younger demographics, impress upon early detection for the greatest chances of a cure.
Mammogram: This is an x-ray of the breast and is perhaps the most reliable screening for breast cancer even when the woman is completely asymptomatic. Their reliability is perhaps due to the multiple angles from which the images are captured ensuring that every angle of a woman's breast is covered. During a mammogram a woman's breasts are compressed between two steel plates. The compressed breasts are then imaged with x-ray radiation. The strength of this radiation is low and therefore safe. Once imaged, the results are read by a trained radiologist that comes up with a diagnosis.
Clinical breast exam: here an examination of the breast is done by a medical doctor or registered nurse. Essentially, the medical professional is looking for any changes or abnormalities in the breast tissue to the naked eye or from palpation of the breast and nipple. Although this method does seem antiquated, it is fairly reliable and usually the first form of screening. With breast cancer there is usually a telltale lump or lumps in and around the best. Special care is taken to examine the area under the arms where breast cancer can be lurking as well. This procedure is fairly straightforward and can even be performed by the woman on herself on a regular basis.
Breast cancer is no laughing matter and has claimed millions of women's lives. While cancer is not contagious, it can spread like wild fire within one's body. So before you leave this page, make an appointment with your gynecologist and get yourself examined today!
For a clear explanation of why early screening is important watch the following video:
The aim of screening is to detect breast cancer in its early stages even before the symptoms begin to appear. Early detection can lead to early diagnosis, early treatment and a timely cure. Unfortunately breast cancers that are diagnosed after symptoms appear have usually spread beyond the rest. However, breast cancers that are detected solely based on screening are likely to be localized. The prognosis of the patient strongly depends on how early breast cancer is detected.
The American Cancer Society, the premier authority of cancer in North America has guidelines for the early detection of cancer and successful treatment. These guidelines especially for women over the age of 40, although this cancer is being detected even with much younger demographics, impress upon early detection for the greatest chances of a cure.
Mammogram: This is an x-ray of the breast and is perhaps the most reliable screening for breast cancer even when the woman is completely asymptomatic. Their reliability is perhaps due to the multiple angles from which the images are captured ensuring that every angle of a woman's breast is covered. During a mammogram a woman's breasts are compressed between two steel plates. The compressed breasts are then imaged with x-ray radiation. The strength of this radiation is low and therefore safe. Once imaged, the results are read by a trained radiologist that comes up with a diagnosis.
Clinical breast exam: here an examination of the breast is done by a medical doctor or registered nurse. Essentially, the medical professional is looking for any changes or abnormalities in the breast tissue to the naked eye or from palpation of the breast and nipple. Although this method does seem antiquated, it is fairly reliable and usually the first form of screening. With breast cancer there is usually a telltale lump or lumps in and around the best. Special care is taken to examine the area under the arms where breast cancer can be lurking as well. This procedure is fairly straightforward and can even be performed by the woman on herself on a regular basis.
Breast cancer is no laughing matter and has claimed millions of women's lives. While cancer is not contagious, it can spread like wild fire within one's body. So before you leave this page, make an appointment with your gynecologist and get yourself examined today!
For a clear explanation of why early screening is important watch the following video:
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