Empowering Lives: The Significance of Breast Cancer Early Diagnosis

Did you know that in 2020, Breast Cancer became the most diagnosed cancer globally and in the UAE?

Breast cancer is typically associated and most diagnosed in women over 40 years of age. Although uncommon and considerably rare,it is important to understand that women in their 30’s may also be affected by the condition.

The first step towards improved treatment options and better quality of life is early and timely screening leading to early diagnosis. Early detection of Breast Cancer can provide more effective treatment,improved quality of life, and ultimately, better outcomes for individuals at risk of or affected by breast cancer.

Early-stage breast cancer often requires less harsh treatment such as surgery or radiation therapy. As a result, one may experience fewer side effects and have an overall higher quality of life. Early detection also reduces the physical and mental strain for someone undergoing treatment and can help people feel less anxious.

Early diagnosis of breast cancer helps patients make better informed decisions about their treatment. It also helps identify  high risk patients for breast cancer and provides them the best further preventive alternatives.

The first and the easiest technique to make a routine part of your life – if you are above 40years of age is Breast self-examination (BSE). BSE is a simple and important practice that individuals, especially women, can perform to become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts. It can help in the early detection of any unusual changes or abnormalities, including potential signs of breast cancer. Here’s a quick how to onself-examination: 

1-   Stand before a mirror - start by putting your hands on your hips and standing in front of a mirror.Look at your breasts like you normally would. Look out for any changes in size, contour, or shape. Examine Your breasts for any dimpling, puckering, redness, or change in skin texture.

2-   Extend your arms - raise your arms and look for the same changes in breast appearance while you're still standing in front of the mirror.

3-   Lay down and examine your breasts - on a flat surface,lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder. To check your right breast, use your left hand. Your right hand should be used to feel lumps or texture changes while your left hand is placed flat on your chest. The entire breast should be examined in a circular motion with light to medium pressure. Utilizing your right hand,repeat the procedure on your left breast.

4-   Examine your nipples - examine the appearance of your nipples for any alterations, such as inversion or discharge. Gently press the nipple to feel for any discharge, which needs to be reported to a medical professional. Continue both sides, as it’s crucial to closely inspect both breasts and evaluate them as a comparison. Most women have some natural lumps or differences between their breasts, but it's important to be aware of any changes over time.

Upon feeling any changes, ensure to consult a breast surgeon who would then perform clinical breast examination for the necessary tests to rule out the possibility of breast cancer. Breast self-examinations are not a replacement for regular clinical breast exams with your breast surgeon or any diagnostic techniques.  

Ultrasound and Mammograms are the commonly used screening tests. Mammograms when combined with latest technology digital breast tomosynthesis or 3D mammograms are far more likely to detect breast cancer at the earliest stage, especially in dense breast tissue. If we can diagnose breast cancer at the level of mammograms; wecan treat the patient with maximum cure chance. 

Mammograms are performed in women aged 40 and above generally with a breast ultrasound, while for women below age of 40;ultrasound will be a diagnostic test. Your breast surgeon would recommend abreast MRI (magnetic resonance) especially if you are at high risk for breast cancer.

Fakeeh University Hospital’s multi-disciplinary team including Breast Surgeons, Medical Oncologists, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Breast Radiologists offers;patient-centered care approach to Breast Cancer patients with tailored therapy.Our highly expert team is equipped to manage all malignant and benign tumors/conditions of the breast offering comprehensive diagnostic and treatment modules.

Breast Cancer is a highly treatable disease, and most breast cancer patients lead long, healthy lives when the condition is diagnosed at an early stage and upon receiving proper treatment. Ensure that you stay in touch with your Breast Surgeon to understand the breast health screenings, early diagnosis, proper treatment process and the timelines for your health.