Cancer Awareness & Early Detection: Your Screening Checklist
October is Breast Cancer awareness month, a reminder to stop guessing about your health and book a breast cancer screening. No panic or procrastination, it is about empowering yourself with awareness, so you never have to live in fear of the unknown. Let’s dive deeper into this topic. We will look at the most common screening options, bust some widespread breast cancer myths, and explore how we can actively step up to support women’s health together.
Common Health Screenings everyone should know about
Breast cancer screening plays a crucial role in early detection. While it cannot prevent breast cancer from developing, it can help identify potential concerns at an earlier stage, when treatment may be more effective. To help you understand the options available, here are some of the most commonly used screening and diagnostic techniques today.
Self-Examination
The most important and common method is self-examination. Being aware of your own body and how it usually looks and feels and making your doctor aware of any noticeable symptoms such as lumps, pain, or changes in size is critical. Alternatively, a clinical breast examination by a doctor can also be conducted wherein the doctor or nurse would check for lumps or other changes in the breast anatomy.
Mammograms
Mammograms are standard breast X-rays used to screen breast cancer. It is highly recommended to schedule one at least once every two years. As a foundational screening tool, a mammogram is designed to identify abnormalities in the breast tissue well before physical symptoms or lumps develop.
Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, is a test that makes pictures of the areas inside the breast by using sound waves. This specialised scan is typically used as a follow-up tool. If a mammogram results in unclear images or reveals potential abnormality, doctors use this method to gather the detailed information needed for an accurate diagnosis.
Breast MRI
A breast MRI uses radio waves and magnets to take very detailed images of the breast tissue. This method is usually used among women who are at a high risk for getting breast cancer, those with dense breast tissue, or to see how far the cancer has spread. It is also used to monitor the treatment or recurrence of breast cancer.
Busting 3 common myths around cancer screening
There are some common myths surrounding breast cancer screening, mostly due to a lack of information. The first one, screening is only necessary if you have symptoms. This is not true. Screening tests are specifically designed to detect breast cancer before the symptoms appear.
Another common myth is that it is family history that determines the risk of getting breast cancer. Unfortunately, breast cancer can even occur in cases where there is absolutely no family history. While genetics do play a role, lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and other aspects may be the primary contributing factors.
There is also a misconception that women should wait till they are older to get a screening done. Screening when one is younger, in fact, might help detect early signs of breast cancer to treat it in time. While the risk of breast cancer might increase as one ages, it's important to keep a track of signs and symptoms
To summarise
Conversations about timely screenings need to be normalised at home and in the workplace, extending far beyond a seasonal focus every October. Professional women can play a vital role by advocating for regular health check-ups among peers. At home, we must urge the women in our lives to transform a vague "health check-up" into a locked-in appointment. Ultimately, combatting breast cancer demands a year-round commitment that goes much deeper than wearing pink for a single month.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Readers are advised to (i) obtain independent professional advise before making any decisions related to or arising out of this blog article (ii) carefully review their health insurance policy terms and conditions to understand their applicable coverage scope (as some benefits may or may not be applicable to you), limits, and exclusions. Sukoon Insurance PJSC does not make any representation or warranty of any kind in relation to this article/blog post including that any of the data, information, materials on this blog article are accurate, reliable, or complete. Sukoon Insurance PJSC hereby disclaims any and all responsibility or liability of any kind for any direct or indirect damages or losses of any kind caused to you in relation to or arising out of this blog article.