It may seem simple, but screenings and diagnosis are two of the most important parts of fighting breast cancer. Thus, more and more women look forward to the day when they can finally have their breasts checked. Let’s see the steps of the screening process through this blog by Sugam hospital, the best cancer hospital in Chennai. 

1. Understanding Breast Cancer Screening

The breast cancer screening is primarily to detect the disease at an early stage before the beginning signs can be perceived. The procedures used involve mammography, a clinical breast examination, and BSEs.

Mammography is the most popular screening method. In this process, like digital X-rays, detailed images of the breast tissue are created. Therefore, radiologists can identify abnormalities from these pictures. In most guidelines, women are recommended to start doing regular mammograms at age 40; however, in some cases, this depends on individual risk factors.

Clinical Breast Exams are performed by best oncologists in Chennai who check for lumps or distortion in tissues of the breast using their hands. These are far less sensitive than mammography, but they are an essential part of a multiple approach strategy to be carried out.

Breast Self-Exams are carried out when a woman examines her own breasts for any abnormalities or changes. They are not in lieu of professional screenings but BSEs can make a woman more aware of her breast tissue and possible changes in it.

2. Mammography Procedure

When you come in for a mammogram, you will be asked to get undressed from the waist up and wear a gown. 

Positioning: Stand before a special X-ray machine and your breast will rest on a flat surface.

Compression: The machine will lightly compress the breast to spread the tissue to allow for clear images, which may cause some momentary discomfort.

Imaging: Multiple X-ray images will be taken from various angles. The process generally takes 20 minutes to complete.

Within minutes after the mammogram, images acquired will be reviewed by a radiologist for signs of irregularities or cancer symptoms. If there is anything suspicious, more testing may be required.

3. What Happens If Abnormalities Are Detected

Additional testing may be necessary to establish the presence and extent of breast cancer:

Ultrasound: Creates images of breast tissue by using sound waves, which allow for the differentiation between solid tumors and fluid-filled cysts.

Breast MRI: Utilizes magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed pictures; frequently used in more comprehensive evaluations or in dense breast tissue.

Biopsy: A small portion of tissue from the breast is removed to be studied in the laboratory. There are different types of biopsies like the fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, and excisional biopsy. This depends upon where it is and the size of the abnormality

4. Getting A Diagnosis

Once the biopsy report is out, you will see your health care provider to discuss the findings. For those diagnosed with breast cancer:

Staging- Finding out how far the disease has spread or the extent of the spread; this is very important in assisting in treatment plans and procedures. Staging involves assessment of tumor size and the involvement of lymph nodes in addition to cancer in other parts of the body.

Grade: This measures how different the cancer cells are from normal cells, which may suggest how rapidly the cancer will grow.

5. Preparing For Screening And Diagnosis

Make the process as smooth as possible:

Follow Guidelines: Use recommended screening schedules. Discuss your personal risk factors with your healthcare provider.

Be Informed: Know what you will experience. Ask questions and let them know what is troubling you.

Remain Calm: An abnormal result does not necessarily mean cancer. Further testing will provide you with more information and guide appropriate next steps.

Screening and diagnosis of breast cancer would at first be very stressful, but now knowing the process that entails determination of screening can really reduce anxiety. Early detection through regular screenings by a cancer hospital in Chennai is essential in the fight against breast cancer. This means by being aware and acting, you are taking an important step in ensuring your breasts, as well as your whole health, are preserved.

Speak to your healthcare provider or get helpful information from the reputable health organizations that focus solely on breast cancer awareness and support.