Breast Cancer: Early Detection Is Your Best Protection

(Article from the Fall 2002 issue of HouseCalls, a Condell publication)

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 205,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in this country this year and nearly 40,000 women will die of the disease. In Illinois, additional 9,700 cases of breast cancer will be identified in 2002, more than any other type of cancer.

Statistics also show a startling fact that Lake County women are at greater risk for unrecognized breast cancer than their Illinois neighbors due to their lower utilization of early detection procedures. A 1997 survey of heath-related risk factors conducted by the State of Illinois Public Health Department, and extracted for Lake County residents, shows how large a task the county is facing in increasing awareness about breast cancer. The survey found that approximately 9 percent of Lake County women over the age of 39 have never had a clinical breast exam. What's more,15 percent of Lake County women over 39 have not had a mammogram in their lifetime.

"Although the risk of breast cancer is higher with a family history, most breast cancers found have no prior family history of the disease," said Phyllis Han, MD, chairman of the department of radiology at Condell Medical Center. "The earlier that cancers are detected, the better are the chances for improved treatment results."

Early detection of breast cancer includes:

• Yearly mammograms beginning at age 40, earlier if you have a family history of the disease. As you begin to have mammograms, it is important to have your previous mammography images available for comparison to your current exam.
• Consult your physician about planning your personal schedule for mammograms and yearly physical examinations.
• Perform breast self-exams monthly. For instructions, ask your doctor or visit www.cancer.org.
• See your physician right away if you notice any unusual changes, abnormalities or lumps in your breast, even if you've had a normal mammogram.

"Despite recent studies that have questioned mammography's lifesaving role, the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology support screening mammography in finding breast cancers at an earlier age," stated Dr. Han. "Mammography is the best imaging tool available today to detect breast cancer early and ultimately, early detection of the disease will allow for more treatment options."

Make an appointment today for your routine mammogram. It could save your life.

Read a story about a Condell breast cancer survivor.