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1. Detecting Breast Cancer Early Notably Elevates Survival Rates
Going for a breast cancer screening at an early stage is crucial in notably improving survival rates for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Various treatment options can have increased success rates if cancer is detected early, when it is localised. When cancer is caught early, the survival chances of said individual elevate dramatically as the disease has not travelled to other body parts. Breast cancer at its early stage has a higher likelihood of responding to treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy. Screening programmes in countries with high awareness of breast cancer and easy access to medical care have consistently shown a decrease in breast cancer-related deaths.
Identifying potential cancer cells in the initial stages means that patients can benefit from less invasive approaches to treatment, leading to fewer complications, a better prognosis, and generally a higher quality of life. These reasons are why frequent screening is recommended for women past 40 years old or those with a family history of breast cancer.
2. Early Breast Cancer Screening Can Lead to Less Aggressive Treatment
Another crucial reason for early breast cancer detection is that it offers options for less aggressive treatment methods. If the cancer is detected early, the tumours usually appear to be smaller, more localised, and less likely to have travelled to the lymph nodes or other organs. Patients in cases like these may avoid the need for mastectomy. Instead, the cancer may be treated through more targeted treatments like lumpectomies, which remove only the cancerous tissue, or localised radiation therapy that may be enough to treat the cancer.
Opting for a less aggressive treatment approach does not just decrease the patient’s burden but speeds up recovery times and improves general outcomes too. Studies have revealed that initial-stage breast cancer can usually be treated effectively with fewer side effects, leading to an optimal approach for improving the patients’ quality of life.
3. Breast Cancer Screening Options Are Easily Available in Malaysia
Breast cancer screening has become easily available in Malaysia, ensuring that women in the country have the chance to detect possible signs of breast cancer at an early stage. The mammogram is the most common and generally recommended screening method for breast cancer. It is an X-ray of the breast tissue. Mammography is a trusted tool for detecting tumours that cannot yet be felt, even within women with dense breast tissue.
Additionally, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also used as additional screening methods or in cases where the results shown by mammograms are abnormal. These technologies offer high-resolution imaging that can provide further information regarding the characteristics of any suspicious areas picked up during screening. At Pantai Hospitals, patients are entitled to the latest imaging technology, ensuring high-quality and accurate screening results.
4. Breast Cancer Screening Helps Empower Preventive Health Decisions
Breast cancer screening does not just help detect cancer, but it also empowers women to decide what is best for their health based on knowledge and initiative. Regular screenings offer women with necessary data regarding their breast health, enabling them to understand any changes as time passes. For women with higher risk because of family history, genetics, or other factors, early breast cancer screening provides them the chance to take preventive measures before the cancer worsens.
Take a diagnosis of benign breast conditions such as fibrocystic changes or benign tumours as an example, a routine screening allows ongoing monitoring and the early detection of any changes that may happen. In addition to this, early screening results can influence decisions relating to lifestyle adjustments, such as switching to a healthier diet, starting to exercise regularly, or weight control can all aid in decreasing the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. At Pantai Hospitals, patients are given advice and guidance tailored to their conditions based on their screening results, ensuring they can take the first step towards maintaining good health.
5. Breast Cancer Screenings Identify Early-Stage Non-Cancerous Abnormalities
One of the main benefits that breast cancer screening offers is detecting non-cancerous abnormalities like benign lumps or cysts. Many women may have anxiety over said results, but it is crucial to understand that benign conditions are common and treatable. Detecting these abnormalities through early screening lets doctors differentiate between what’s cancerous and non-cancerous, decreasing unnecessary concern for patients.
Non-cancerous conditions, in many cases, need frequent monitoring or minor treatment. By raising these issues at an early stage, the medical team at Pantai Hospitals will ensure that patients are closely monitored and receive the required care to prevent complications from occurring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When should I start going for frequent breast cancer screenings?
Although guidelines vary, it is recommended to start going for annual screenings when you are 40, but those with a high-risk family history should go early.
2. Do breast cancer screenings hurt?
Mammograms may cause slight discomfort because of compression, but the procedure is usually fast and well-tolerated.
3. What shouldn’t I do before going for a mammogram?
To prevent imaging interference, you should not apply deodorant, lotion, or powder under your arms or on your chest.
4. How frequently should I get screened if I have experienced breast abnormalities in the past?
Your doctor decides your screening frequency based on your medical history and previous results.
Schedule an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals
At Pantai Hospitals, expert oncologists and breast health specialists are dedicated to offering comprehensive screening services, from mammograms to advanced imaging techniques. If you are worried about your breast health or have noticed unusual changes such as lumps, discomfort, or changes in the appearance of your breasts, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Early detection of breast cancer is key to ensuring the best possible outcomes. Please reach out to your nearest Pantai Hospital by making an appointment through our website, or download our MyHealth360 application from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.
