AtlantiCare: Best protection is early detection
Editor’s note: The Sentinel requested this story to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
By JENNIFER TORNETTA/AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
ATLANTIC CITY — Breast cancer screenings save lives, according to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, which is observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women behind lung cancer, yet women often put their own health care needs aside because they are ‘too busy,’” said Dr. Neha R. Chawla, medical director of hematology/medical oncology at AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute. “I remind patients that making time to take care of themselves and to prevent health issues is important for both them and their families.”
Regular screenings and mammograms can help detect breast cancer in its early stages, when it is most successfully treatable. The best prevention for breast cancer is to understand risk factors and how often to receive screenings.
The main factors that influence a patient’s risk include being a woman and getting older.
“Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older,” Chawla said. “Researchers have also identified certain genes (BRCA1 and BRCA 2) that, when mutated, increase risk for breast cancer.”
Other factors that can increase risk include personal and family history, race, breast density and menstrual period history.
Women can control some risk factors. Women who have used birth control pills, have taken hormone therapy after menopause, have children after age 30, drink alcohol and/or are overweight or obese after menopause have an increased risk for breast cancer. Exercising has been shown to reduce risk.
Chawla recommends patients speak with their primary care provider to see how they can modify their lifestyles and to reduce risks for breast cancer.
Having risk factors, however, does not necessarily mean that a patient will develop breast cancer, and not all factors convey the same risk.
“Some women will get breast cancer even without any risk factors that they know of, while others may have some risk factors and never develop the disease,” Chawla said.
One of the most important things about detecting breast cancer is for women to know their own breasts.
“We remind women to be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel, and to talk with their primary care provider if anything seems unusual or worrisome,” Chawla said.
Signs and symptoms women should be especially mindful of include:
— Lump in the breast or armpit
— Swelling or thickening of all or part of the breast
— Dimpling or skin irritation of breast
— Localized, persistent breast pain
— Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or breast
— Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
— Any change in the size or shape of the breast
“Not all women who develop breast cancer experience symptoms,” Chawla said. “Women who have risk factors for breast cancer or concerns should talk with their health care provider about ways to lower risks. They should also ask what screenings they should have and when.”
A primary care provider, gynecologist or breast health specialist might prescribe a number of breast cancer screenings, including:
— A mammogram or digital mammogram with three-dimensional tomosynthesis
— A breast ultrasound
— A breast MRI
— Genetic testing
“If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, getting quick treatment and good support is important,” Chawla said.
AtlantiCare’s Cancer Care Institute offers a coordinated approach to breast health. The team uses the most advanced technology, including digital mammography, to diagnose and treat cancers.
“Knowing your body is the best way to ensure your breast health,” Chawla said. “Make time to speak with your provider about your risk and to get screened.”
For more information about breast health, genetic testing and other screenings, or to find a primary or specialty care provider, call the AtlantiCare Access Center at (888) 569-1000 or visit atlanticare.org and click on “Find a Provider” to book an appointment online.