Breast Cancer Awareness

Most of us know that October was breast cancer awareness month. Worldwide breast cancer is the leading type of cancer in women. It is more common in developed countries and the survival rate are also higher in developed countries due to cancer detection. Outcomes for breast cancer are variable depending on exact type of cancer as well as the extend of the disease. The earlier the detection and subsequent treatment the less extensive the disease and the higher the survival rate. There are a number of screening test that have been employed to detect breast cancer. The most commonly recommended screening test is a mammogram. Mammography is basically x-rays taken of the breast.  It is suggested to be done yearly starting at age 40. However, there are also a number of other screening tests including self breast exams, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and genetic testing that are used to find breast cancers. So, this month in an effort to “save the tatas”  we are encouraging all women 40 years of age and older to get screened.