Penza oncologist explained when to do a mammogram

Among Russian women, breast cancer is more common than other cancers. But the paradox is that it responds to treatment better than many: found at stage zero or first, it gives a survival rate of up to 99%. It’s all about regularity – this simple secret is the basis of statistics.

Within the framework of the week of the fight against breast cancer, oncologist Sergey Filatov from the Regional Oncological Clinical Dispensary prepared a clear checklist. It will help you not to drown in medical terms and understand exactly what step to take.

Up to 30 years, the breasts are usually dense, and the X-ray does not “see” it well. Therefore, the main support is the knowledge of your own body. Self-examination is carried out once a month, on 5-12 days of the cycle, when the breast is least sensitive. This can be done in the shower or in front of the mirror. The goal is not to find cancer, but to know what the norm looks like. Any skin pulling, sealing, change in the nipple or discharge is a reason not to panic, but to go to the doctor. Once a year, you need an examination by a gynecologist: he will necessarily examine and probe the glands. Ultrasound is prescribed for complaints, heredity or injuries.

In 30-40 years, the risks increase, although breast tissue may remain dense. Self-examination stays with you for life. Once a year, an ultrasound is added to the visit to the gynecologist - ultrasound sees cysts and fibroadenomas well. If your mother, sister or grandmother had breast or ovarian cancer, especially at a young age, you should go to the genetics and get tested for BRCA1/2 mutations.

After 40 years, glandular tissue gives way to fatty tissue. Here comes into play mammography - the world gold standard: against the background of fat, x-rays catch even the smallest microcalcinates, precursors of tumors. Every two years it is done free of charge as part of a medical examination. This is the best way to catch the disease years before it can be felt. Ultrasound is also worth undergoing annually: mammography sees calcifications, but can miss the formation behind the shadow of the ducts, so the methods complement each other. Many doctors advise doing them in a bundle once a year. Plus once a year - an examination by a gynecologist or mammologist with an assessment of pictures and palpation.

If a mother or sister was diagnosed with the disease before the age of 50 or cancer was found in two relatives at once, the scheme changes. Once a year, an MRI is done with contrast, starting from 25-30 years old - depending on the age of the relative at the time of the disease. MRI sees what is missed and x-ray and ultrasound. Mammography is also performed annually, starting 5-10 years before the earliest diagnosis in the family, but not earlier than 25-30 years.

There are three rules that literally save lives. The first is the date in the calendar: choose one day of the month for self-examination, and time your mammogram to coincide with your birthday, then you will definitely not forget. Second, do not be afraid of discomfort: the procedure is quick, and the sensations are comparable to a tight hug. Two minutes every two years is a small price to pay. Third, do not treat cysts with herbs: any seal should be checked by a doctor using ultrasound.