WE THE FUTURE BLOG: Breast Cancer - Searching for the Right Detection

Since the beginning of 2010 nearly 37,000 women have died as result of breast cancer. This year alone over 200,000 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Connecticut and Washington have the highest rate of invasive breast cancer per 100,000, at 135 women per 100,000. Washington, D.C. follows close behind at 133 per 100,000.  Invasive breast cancer occurs when the cancer has spread from its original cells. Invasive cancer can be classified in stages 1- 4. When discovered early enough, meaning the cancer has not spread, the cancer may be given a classification of stage 0.

Breast cancer is the least fatal in its earliest stages. It is recommended that all women perform a self-examination at least once a month. If anything feels strange or different you need to make an appointment with your doctor ASAP.

For years mammograms have been considered the best way to detect breast cancer. Although now, researchers are finding MRIs maybe be more accurate in detecting cancer. According to the Susan G. Komen website, there is growing evidence that an MRI along with a mammogram, can increase detection of breast cancer, especially in women who are at a higher risk for breast cancer. Some health care providers are starting to perform the MRI along with the mammogram annually for women.

Just as with all cancers and diseases early detection is the only cure. Doctors are beginning to realize this as well. Along with MRI and mammography, medical professionals are beginning to use ultrasound. Ultrasound has been found more accurate for women with dense breast tissue.

Doctors are currently experimenting with position emission tomography (PET scan), thermography and molecular breast imaging.

PET scans involve injecting radioactive sugar into the body. The theory is that the sugar will build up more cancer cells and detect the cancer. The scan detects how much sugar is consumed by the cells, cancer cells tend to consume more sugar. Although PET scans are not detailed enough image wise to find the early stages of breast cancer.

Thermography uses infrared light to measure temperature differences on the surface of the breast. Any abnormal temperate can be a sign of a problem within the breast, although many benign conditions. It also is not very accurate when detecting cancer in deeper breast tissue. Thermography was actually used in screening and diagnosing breast cancer up until the 1980s, when mammograms became the golden standard.

Doctors are also experimenting with molecular breast imaging. This imaging uses a short-term radioactive agent that is injected to and absorbed by the breast, then recorded by a special camera. Cancer cells of the breast seem to absorb more of the agent than healthy cells. It is currently being studied as a breast cancer screening tool combined with mammography among women with dense breast tissue.

Detection has come a long way since we first discovered breast cancer, but we still struggle with finding cancer early enough. Early detection is the only cure! So, don't ever ignore your bodies warning signs even if it is something simple.

Much love,
Summer
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