Early detection helps in the fight against breast cancer

OTHELLO — About one in eight women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.

Cancer Awareness Month was recognized in October, but the Columbia Basin Health Association stresses awareness every month, every week and every day.

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, according to the American Cancer Society. Only lung cancer kills more women each year.

The ACS estimates that 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2016. ACS also estimates that 40,450 women will die from breast cancer this year.

“The main risk factors for breast cancer are things women cannot change: being a woman, getting older and having certain gene changes,” Dr. Gabe Miu, Columbia Basin Health Association Medical Director, said. “Behaviors, such as smoking, drinking and diet are things that can be changed.”

Dr. Miu is a Board Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist. He has been treating patients at CBHA clinics since 1998.

Dr. Miu noted men can also develop breast cancer. However, breast cancer is about 100 times more common in women than in men. This might be because men have less of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which can promote breast cancer cell growth.

“Most women who have one or more breast cancer risk factors never develop breast cancer, while many women with breast cancer have no known risk factors,” Dr. Miu said.

About 5-10 percent of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, meaning they result directly from gene defects (called mutations) passed on from a parent.

Genetic testing can be done to look for these mutations. However, testing is expensive and might not be covered by some health insurance plans.

“We recommend that patients discuss these complicated issues with their physician if they suspect they might have gene mutations,” Dr Miu said. “Early detection is vitally important in the treatment of breast cancer.”

A number of screening options are available to check a woman’s breast for cancer before there are signs of symptoms of the disease. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early.

“We encourage patients to talk to their medical provider about what types of screening are best for them and at what age this screening should begin,” Dr. Miu said.

In the past, screening usually began at age 40 for women who are at average risk, earlier for women considered high risk. However, research is finding that the ideal screening age varies with each woman.

Clinical breast exams by a medical provider are also important as well as breast self exams. The CBHA encourages its patients to get screened for breast cancer regularly, usually on an annual basis or at intervals set jointly by the patient and medical provider.