October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, doctors diagnose about 264,000 breast cancer cases in women and over 2,000 cases in men. Scheduling routine breast cancer screening after a certain age will help identify early signs of cancerous tissues. But are these appointments necessary? Continue reading to find out.

What Is Breast Cancer Screening?

Breast cancer screening might seem daunting, but it only refers to checking breast tissues for signs of the disease. Ideally, women aged 50 to 74 with an average breast cancer risk should schedule a screening with their physician. From age 40 to 49, women should speak with their doctors about when and how often to get a mammogram. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may need annual cancer screenings early in life. 

Why Is Breast Cancer Screening Important?

A typical female breast has milk-producing glands, ducts, fatty tissues, and connective tissues. Ductal cells are usually where cancerous cells form. The other components are less likely to have cancer. However, if the cancer is caught early, women and men have a higher chance of survival. Without routine checkups, you might not realize you have the disease until it is too late. 

What Are Different Screening Types?

A mammogram is the most common way to check for breast cancer. It is an X-ray that effectively identifies signs of breast cancer in women before they begin feeling symptoms. Routine mammograms every one or two years are the best way to catch cancerous growth in the breast at its earliest stage. 

Another method is an MRI or magnetic resonance imaging of the breast. This diagnostic test uses radio waves and magnets to produce detailed images of the breast's internal structure. An MRI is ideal if a woman is a high risk for developing the cancer. 

You can also check for signs of abnormal tissues without a physician by conducting a self-exam. If you routinely feel and look at your breasts to check for changes in size, lumps, or pain, you can report the findings to your doctor, who will conduct further testing. 

If you need a breast cancer screening in Anchorage, AK, head to Arete Family Care LLC. This family medical practice has caring physicians knowledgeable about mens health, womens health, and pediatric care. They offer telemedicine appointments, walk-in lab services, physical exams, and cancer screenings. Call (907) 777-1850 to request an appointment or visit them online for more information about their services.