Breast Cancer Screening

Cancer is among the world’s killer diseases. There are different types of cancer including, breast cancer, cervical cancer, blood cancer, colon cancer to mention a few. The disease is deadly, but it can be treated if detected early. Many countries around the world have machines to test and treat cancer. Researching the web, you will see many testimonies of cancer survivors. The sad part is, the number of people who die from cancer is more than those who survive. In this article, we are going to discuss breast cancer.

As already said, cancer is curable but only if detected in its early stages. Countries around the globe encourage their women to undergo breast screening at specified days of the year. Cancer is known to strike women above 50 years of age, and so those in that age bracket are advised to test at least once a year. The aim behind the screening programs is to keep women safe and reduce the mortality rate associated with cancer. Cancer screening techniques have been changing and getting better with technology. The latest being the 3-D Mammography which uses 3D Breast Tomosynthesis Markers to interpret images. However, there has been campaigns and uproars on the importance and safety of cancer screening.

Recently a report was published that, the annual mammography testing reduces cancer by about 40% compared to tests done at irregular intervals. This means a reduction of cancer deaths. Another study countered that and said, frequent breast screening does not reduce breast cancer but increases the possibilities in women because they are more exposed to harmful rays.

Benefits of Mammography Screening

• The screening can indicate something is wrong before the main symptoms start showing
• Finds cancer at early stages giving the patient a chance to get treated
• Reduce breast cancer mortality rate
• Today’s mammograms expose women to light levels of the radiation rays

Harms of Breast Cancer Screening

• Some tests miss cancerous cells giving patients false reassurance
• Sometimes it gives incorrect results instilling fear to the patient
• It might result in overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment
• Just like any other X-rays, women are exposed to radiations which are in the list of causes of breast cancer.

The above are examples of the arguments that have been going on about breast cancer screening. We cannot rule out and say screening is right or wrong. The most important thing is to keep our women safe.