Most breast cancer is diagnosed after age 50, but in recent years, it's becoming increasingly common among younger women**—many of whom are not yet eligible for regular mammograms. Here’s what you need to know.
Next to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. It’s responsible for 1 in 3 cancers found in women each year. The good news? Breast cancer-related deaths have been steadily decreasing since 1981, largely thanks to earlier detection and better treatment options. But experts note that in recent years, that decline has slowed down, reminding us of the importance of proactive health measures.
Like all cancers, early detection of breast cancer is key to getting the most effective treatment. Nearly 100% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at Stage 1 survive at least five years following their diagnosis. That percentage plummets to 25% for those who are diagnosed at Stage 4.
As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, it’s a good time to check with your doctor and make sure you are up to date on your breast cancer examinations. The current guidelines are for women of average risk to have their first mammogram around age 40 and to get screened every other year until the age of 74. Yet, data shows that only 75.9% of women ages 50 to 74 have had a mammogram in the last two years. That means many women are missing out on the opportunity to catch breast cancer early through regular diagnostic testing.
Routine breast screening – you should follow your doctor’s recommendations and keep up with prescribed mammograms – but it can serve as a way to provide a deeper look at your internal health. The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (the Gail model) is often used by health care providers to estimate breast cancer risk. The tool calculates a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer over the next 5 years and within her lifetime (up to age 90). Although this tool can estimate your risk, it can’t tell whether or not you’ll get breast cancer.**
While advancements in medical imaging continue to offer new possibilities, mammography remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening. Its proven effectiveness in detecting early-stage breast cancer, combined with its accessibility and wide use, makes it a crucial tool in reducing mortality rates. For women at average risk, regular mammograms offer the best opportunity for early detection and successful treatment, underscoring its irreplaceable role in breast health care.
**Prenuvo strongly recommends not skipping recommended, dedicated gold-standard screening tests like mammography.
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