Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the female population and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Yet, the five-year survival rate for women with early breast cancer detection (during the localized stage) is 99%. Therefore, screening and early recognition are vital for women to experience positive results.
With guideline changes, family practitioners and other doctors scratch their heads as they wonder how to advise their patients with evidence-based recommendations. Early detection and intervention promote positive outcomes. However, physicians want to avoid adding stress to their patients with unnecessary tests and inaccurate results. So, what are the evidence-based recommendations for breast cancer screening?
Breast cancer evaluations include tests or examinations to discover the disease. Imaging makes breast cancer discoverable before a woman feels a lump or observes breast changes.
Mammograms (low-dose X-rays) can catch cancer several years before symptoms are seen or felt. With regular mammograms, physicians promote early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, enabling quicker treatments.
Decades of research indicate that women who have regular mammograms see long-term benefits. Finding breast cancer early enables proactive interventions with less invasive techniques. These women usually do not require aggressive treatments, like mastectomies, and are more likely to be cured.
In the past, providers commonly relied on clinical breast exams to palpate the breast for abnormalities. However, the American Cancer Society does not recommend routine CBEs for women at average risk. There is minimal evidence that performing CBEs improves breast cancer outcomes for this group of women.
Often, women feel more comfortable performing self-exams rather than CBEs. They can perform these exams in the comfort of their homes. During a BSE, women look and feel their breasts for lumps, hard nodules or other breast changes. This examination method is only effective when women are aware of the look and feel of their breasts.
Though routine BSEs can be helpful, women often discover lumps during daily activities, such as bathing and dressing. Additionally, if the patient can feel a lump, she is no longer asymptomatic or in the early stage of breast cancer.
Early detection, innovative technology and state-of-the-art treatments improve breast cancer mortality rates. With early detection, the tumor is typically smaller and not metastasized. These factors usually result in less invasive treatment modalities and a better prognosis. Screening for breast cancer equates to quantifiable benefits:
Mammograms are not infallible and can cause unnecessary stress. Physicians must be aware of the limitations and the possible adverse outcomes of relying on mammography.
False positives show an abnormality when none exists. These results cause additional stress for your patients and require more testing.
Overdiagnosis occurs when women receive treatment for noninvasive or asymptomatic breast cancer. Currently, screening does not differentiate between noninvasive, asymptomatic and life-threatening cancers. So, physicians must treat them all.
False negatives do not indicate an abnormality when there is one. The breast appears normal, but cancer is present. False-negative results happen in 20% of breast cancer cases.
The American Cancer Society provides patients and providers with evidence-based recommendations so that they can make informed decisions for breast cancer screening. The following recommendations relate to average-risk women. The qualifications for women in this category are the following:
The American Cancer Society recommendations are based on age. These guidelines help medical professionals confidently instruct their patients.
Breast cancer can go undetected for years. Early detection and treatment often result in improved outcomes and less aggressive treatment options. As part of the Healthy Person Program, the Enhanced Oncology Program (EOP) utilizes AI technology to detect and treat breast cancer earlier.
Eon’s Centralized Management team functions as a liaison between patient and provider. This multidisciplinary group ensures everyone stays updated on incidental findings.
In addition to notifying individuals about incidental findings, the Healthy Breast Program assists patients and providers with appointment reminders. This program also offers a telehealth genetic testing consultation for individuals with family history concerns.
With its holistic approach, Eon is an invaluable resource for providers. They deliver recommendations from evidence-based guidelines while you, the physician, get to do what you love – provide quality patient care and counseling. Eon offers the suggestions, but you determine the plan of care.
Mixed reviews for when to begin breast cancer screening can confuse patients and providers. Evidence-based recommendations and resources help detect breast cancer early while minimizing patient stress. Resources like EON assist physicians in confidently and efficiently navigating screenings.
“Mammograms.” NIH: National Cancer Institute, 2023, Mammograms – NCI.
“American Cancer Society Recommendations for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer.” American Breast Cancer Society ®, 2022, ACS Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines | American Cancer Society.
“Breast Cancer Screening: ACP Releases Guidance Statements.” American Academy of Family Physicians, 2020, Breast Cancer Screening: ACP Releases Guidance Statements | AAFP.
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