Breast cancer is a disease in which breast cells grow out of control. While the disease can occur in both men and women, the incidence is 100 times higher in women. A host of factors like genetics, environmental exposure, hormones, etc. determine risk levels. All women are at risk of developing breast cancer, which increases with age.
Like most other cancers, the sooner we detect breast cancer, better are the outcomes. One of the most effective ways of detecting breast cancer early is by undergoing for an annual mammogram after age of 40. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can spot a tumour before symptoms manifest.
It can in fact detect a tumour, couple of years before a lump becomes large enough to be felt. It is the best way to screen for breast cancer. Early detection means less aggressive treatment options and very positive outcomes. The American Cancer Society says early-stage breast cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 99%, whereas for late-stage cancer, the survival rate is 27%.

What are the known symptoms of breast cancer?

You should see a doctor if you notice any of these signs in either of your breasts:.

Lump in breast or armpit
Swelling or thickening of the whole or part of the breast
Irritation of breast skin or dimpling
Redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
Nipple discharge (serous, milky, bloody)
Change in size or shape of breast
Pain in any part of breast

Women at average risk are those who don’t have:

A personal history of breast cancer
A strong family history of breast cancer
A genetic mutation known to raise the risk of breast cancer (like a BRCA gene)
Or has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30

Screening guidelines for women at average risk:

Self-breast examination once a month
Women after the age of 40yrs can start screening with a mammogram every year
Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every alternate year or continue with the annual mammograms. Screening should continue as long as they are in good health
All women should understand what to expect from a mammogram for breast cancer screening
Clinical breast exams are not recommended for breast cancer screening at any age for women at average risk

Some other key takeaways about breast cancer:

Data show that one out of six new breast cancers develop in people in the age group of 40 to 50
While breast cancer in younger women is less, it is still the most common cancer among women aged 15 to 39. The incidence is rising among the younger population.
Patients with a higher-than-average risk (like those with a family history of breast cancer or known genetic mutations like the BRCA gene, are usually advised to start mammograms earlie