Screening campaigns for breast cancer have been effective in early detection, providing access to innovative treatments when cancer is diagnosed and improving survival rates.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated access to healthcare facilities for screening examinations. Delays of 8-12 weeks in treatment can lead to a delay in cure and an increase in breast cancer mortality of up to 8% compared to women who are treated within the correct time frame, according to a review study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
It is essential for women not to delay breast cancer screening examinations. Experts emphasize that screening is crucial, especially for women with high-risk factors for breast cancer. While there is no data yet on the delays in the early detection of breast cancer in the female population due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains crucial not to let our guard down towards prevention.
Age is the main factor for determining the risk of breast cancer in women, and deciding to undergo screening examinations is essential, especially after the age of 40.
The most sensitive and specific examination for early detection of breast cancer is mammography, which can be combined with ultrasonography based on the indications of the senologist and assessment of breast density.
Systematic reviews of numerous randomized trials over the past 50 years have shown that mammography screening for women aged 50 to 70 decreases the risk of breast cancer mortality and reduces the risk of diagnosing advanced cancer in women over 50.
If a mammogram is not in the normal range, it should be emphasized that 9 out of 10 women do not have breast cancer. However, further investigations are necessary, such as another mammogram after six months or other follow-up examinations based on the assessment of the breast doctor, such as a breast ultrasound, especially if the mammogram shows very dense breasts, which may make it more challenging to read the mammogram.
In case of diagnostic suspicion, the mammogram might be followed by a biopsy, during which a doctor takes a sample of breast tissue with a needle for cell analysis to rule out the presence of cancer cells. With the outcome of the biopsy and the screening examinations performed, the breast specialist can then discuss any necessary therapies or evaluate the scheduling and frequency of follow-up screening examinations to monitor for any abnormalities and continue with early prevention investigations.
In conclusion, early detection of breast cancer through screening is crucial for improving survival rates. Women should not delay breast cancer screening examinations, especially those with high-risk factors for breast cancer, and mammography screening for women aged 50 to 70 years can decrease the risk of breast cancer mortality and reduce the risk of diagnosing advanced cancer in women over 50.
