It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate, raise awareness and empower individuals to take action to prevent breast cancer. This October, we’re highlighting the critical role of screenings in early detection and offering guidance on when to take that vital step toward breast health.

While breast cancer can develop without any obvious signs or symptoms in its early stages, regular screenings such as mammograms can detect changes in breast tissue long before they become noticeable. Early detection is key to successful treatment and improved survival rates. Symptoms of breast cancer that may appear later include:

• A lump or mass in the breast
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Nipple discharge or inversion
• Skin dimpling or thickening
• Pain in a specific area of the breast

When to Get a Screening

Women aged 40 and older should start annual mammograms, although someone with a family history of breast cancer may need to begin earlier. “Women at high risk should consult with their healthcare provider about the right time to begin screening, as genetic factors such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can increase breast cancer risk,” Dr. Chung adds.

“Southcoast recommends annual 3D mammograms (tomosynthesis) so that people can be diagnosed earlier and cancer does not grow undetected until it is harder to cure,” says Dr. Chung. “Each screening method has its own advantages, and a personalized approach can help women receive the most accurate results.”

Types of Screening

In addition to traditional mammograms, other screening options include:

• 3D Mammography: Available at the Southcoast Health Breast Care Center, this leading-edge imaging technology enables radiologists to better identify problems hiding in dense breast tissue, while differentiating normal, overlapping tissue.
• Breast Ultrasound: Often used as a supplemental screening for women with dense breasts or those at higher risk.
• Breast MRI: Recommended for high-risk individuals, especially those with a family history or known genetic mutations.

The Bottom Line

Breast cancer is highly treatable when detected early, making regular screenings an essential part of proactive health care – regardless of your age or risk factors. If you’re unsure when to start, talk to your healthcare provider about a screening plan that’s right for you.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take charge of your health by prioritizing routine screenings, and encourage those you love to do the same. As Dr. Chung notes, “Mammograms don’t prevent cancer, but they find it sooner – and that translates into saving lives.”