#1 BREAST INSPECTIONS

While a breast examination itself can’t prevent breast cancer, early detection can mean earlier treatment, which also means a better chance of survival. Breast and general surgeon DR GEORGETTE CHAN fills us in on the importance of regular breast examinations, and the different types.

Self-checks

“A monthly self-check is very important because it allows us to detect even subtle changes – things like lumps, or nipple discharge,” says Dr Chan. “Young women should ideally start doing this in their twenties to become familiar with how their own breasts feel. Seven to ten days after the start of your menses is the best time to do it, because that’s when the breasts are least sensitive.”

What to do if you find a lump

“Firstly, don’t panic, because about 90 percent of lumps detected are benign,” says Dr Chan. “If you find one while you’re close to your menstrual period, it could be due to temporary hormonal changes. So, I suggest waiting until after your period to see if it’s still there. If it is, go to see your GP.”

Medical examinations

Dr Chan recommends that women should start going for medical breast examinations from the age of 40; however, she adds that if someone in your family has had breast cancer it’s wise to come five to 10 years earlier than your relative was when her cancer was diagnosed. “Depending on the age of a patient and the density of the breast, I may recommend both a mammogram and an ultrasound,” she says.

Mammography

According to Dr Chan, mammography has an accuracy rate as high as 90 to 95 percent, and has proven effective in detecting cancers early. Early detection is associated with a 20 percent drop in breast cancer mortality.

As for patients’ concerns over radiation from the mammography machine, Dr Chan says there’s nothing to be worried about. “Though mammography can be uncomfortable, it’s limited to 15 seconds and is not harmful. As for the amount of radiation, it’s a very low dose, akin to that of a couple of chest x-rays and much lower than a PET scan or a CT scan. So, the risk of harm is low, especially if done only yearly (from 40 to 50), and then every two years (from 50 onwards), as we recommend.”

Ultrasound

Dr Chan says that, although ultrasound is not effective on its own as a screening tool, it’s a good supplementary tool because it’s better at detecting little, delineating nodules.