Early detection and screening reduces the need for aggressive breast cancer treatment

POLOKWANE – Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer amongst women in South Africa, affecting 1 in 28 women and in urban communities the incidence is as high as 1 in 8 according to National Health Laboratory statistics. But early screening and detection of the disease dramatically improves women’s chances of survival and reduces the need for aggressive and invasive treatment.

“Breast cancer affects all ages, races and socio-economic circumstances. As frightening as a cancer diagnosis is, the good news is that modern medical advances and early screening and diagnosis result in more patients surviving and beating cancer with less aggressive and invasive treatment. The need for early and accurate detection simply cannot be over-emphasised,” said Prof Jackie Smilg, Chair of BISSA, which is a sub-specialty group of the Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA).

“Early breast cancer detection reduces deaths, extends life expectancy, and improves life quality, and early detection through mammography also enables less extensive surgery, fewer mastectomies, and less frequent or aggressive chemotherapy.”

Regular screening is more likely to find breast cancers when they are small and still limited to the breast area and this is important for successful treatment and survival, since the size and extent of the spread are the most crucial in predicting the outcome of a breast cancer diagnosis.

“Mammography, performed by radiologists, is the foundation of early detection. Regular mammograms can often help find breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful,” Prof Smilg said.

As with all cancer screening, recommendations for breast cancer screening rely on a combination of factors involving evidence about the risk of the condition, the benefits and harms of screening, and the cost.

The RSSA and BISSA encourage all women to start regular mammography from the age of 40 and to continue to do so every year until age 70, regardless of whether they have symptoms or have an abnormality. Women should regularly check their breasts for any irregularities and have a clinical breast examination by a GP or gynaecologist at least once a year.

Any abnormality, regardless of age or family history, warrants an immediate medical consultation with a healthcare professional.

“Many lumps may turn out to be harmless, but it is essential that all of them are checked,” Prof Smilg said.