Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide, with an estimated 2.1 million new cases in 2018 (Ferlay, Steliarova-Foucher, Lortet-Tieulent, Parkin, & Bray, 2020). It is responsible for approximately 627,000 deaths each year (Ferlay et al., 2020). Early detection and treatment are key to improving survival rates, and the best way to detect it is through screening mammography (Kerlikowske et al., 2018).
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that women between 40 and 49 years of age should have access to mammography if they are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, and women over 50 should be screened regularly (WHO, 2019). This is based on evidence showing that regular mammography is associated with a reduction in mortality rates (Kerlikowske et al., 2018).
Risk factors for developing breast cancer include a family history of the disease, certain genetic mutations, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and obesity (Grosso et al., 2019). Screening tests such as mammography are used to detect breast cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable (Kerlikowske et al., 2018). Treatment for breast cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy (American Cancer Society, 2019).
Early detection and treatment of breast cancer can significantly reduce the risk of death from the disease (Kerlikowske et al., 2018). While mammography is the best way to detect it, other screening methods such as clinical breast exams and breast self-exams can also be used (American Cancer Society, 2019).
In conclusion, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide, and early detection and treatment are key to improving survival rates. Regular mammography is the best way to detect breast cancer in its early stages, and other screening methods can also be used. It is important for women to be aware of their risk factors and to get screened regularly to reduce their risk of death from breast cancer.
References
American Cancer Society. (2019). Breast Cancer Screening. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection.html
Ferlay, J., Steliarova-Foucher, E., Lortet-Tieulent, J., Parkin, D.M., & Bray, F. (2020). Cancer incidence and mortality worldwide: Sources, methods and major patterns in GLOBOCAN 2018. International Journal of Cancer, 147(6), 1966-1978.
Grosso, G., Godos, J., Galvano, F., & Giovannucci, E.L. (2019). Mediterranean diet and cancer risk: An updated meta-analysis and a proposal for a literature-based adherence score. International Journal of Cancer, 144(6), 1327-1340.
Kerlikowske, K., Miglioretti, D.L., Yankaskas, B.C., et al. (2018). Benefits and harms of breast cancer screening: An updated systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Annals of Internal Medicine, 169(10), 678-687.
WHO. (2019). Breast cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/breast-cancer/en/