Photo: Cliniimagem/Disclosure

Mammography is the test that provides the best cost-effectiveness for detecting breast cancer, since annual screening in women over 40 years of age reduces mortality from the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts a 46% increase in breast cancer incidence in the Americas by 2030, with a concentration of 57% of cases diagnosed in women under 65 years of age in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Early detection and diagnosis increases the chances of cure and also because performing clinical and surgical treatment at the initial stage of the disease allows for a less aggressive or mutilating approach. This is where imaging tests come in to help detect the nodule at an early stage. Mammography is an X-ray examination performed using equipment called a mammograph. During the procedure, the patient’s breasts are compressed between two acrylic plates to provide better visualization of the breast structures.

“Mammography is the only test that reduces mortality from breast cancer by detecting cancer at an early stage, before it becomes a palpable node,” says Raffaella Guglielmi, radiologist at Cliniimagem.

Photo: Cliniimagem/Disclosure

A Swedish study recently published in Cancer Magazine by Tabar and Kols found that women who have mammograms die less than those who do not get screened regularly. There was a 60% reduction in mortality from the disease within 10 years of diagnosis compared with those who were not regularly screened. The study also found that there was a 47% reduction in mortality from the disease 20 years after diagnosis compared with those who were not routinely screened.

“In daily practice, we see several cases of early breast cancer that are visualized on ultrasound only because we have a mammogram that needs to be correlated, otherwise it would go undetected on ultrasound,” emphasizes the specialist.

The importance of humane care

Photo: Cliniimagem/Disclosure

“Through self-examination, I discovered that I had breast cancer about four months ago. Shortly after this I noticed a nodule. So, I have already sought medical attention for a clinical mammogram and ultrasound. I went to Clinicmagem for an ultrasound and mammogram. Despite the fear and uncertainty, I received goodwill and care from the clinic’s professionals. I highly recommend this. After a while I started to think differently. Cancer is not a death sentence, and recognition of the discovery is important for treatment. I am still continuing treatment. I am undergoing chemotherapy and, despite some symptoms of nausea, I feel good. I would like to give all women very important advice: look for your doctor, undergo routine examinations. Cancer detected early can increase the chances of cure and reduce the severity of treatment. This Cancer Awareness Month, be sure to take your exams,” says Maria Angela Gilarde, a pharmacy employee.

Find out more details:

What is mammography and how is it performed?

This procedure can detect benign lesions and cancer at an early stage, allowing the detection of nodules that are not detected during self-examination or routine consultations.

How often should this be done?

The highest incidence of the disease is observed in the age group from 50 to 69 years. However, in Brazil, health agencies recommend annual mammograms for women over 40 years of age, aiming for early diagnosis and reduced mortality.

But what is tracking?

Tracing means conducting annual serial tests on asymptomatic women to detect the disease at an early stage. And thus offer patients less aggressive treatment methods. For example, more conservative surgery, less aggressive chemotherapy and, if necessary, less extensive radiation therapy, which increases the patient’s chances of cure.

Can women with breast implants have mammograms?

This is a constant question from patients. Answer: yes, they should! “The difference is that in these cases, additional attacks are performed, which are called the Eklund maneuver. The Eklund maneuver is nothing more than moving the prosthesis backwards, thereby making the breast tissue more exposed, which makes it easier to visualize the mammography results,” explains Cliniimagem radiologist Rafaela Bonassa.

Breast cancer in Brazil and the world

Incidence rates vary across different regions of the planet, with the highest rates observed in developed countries. In Brazil, there will be an estimated 73,610 new cases of breast cancer in 2023, with an estimated risk of 66.54 cases per 100,000 women. According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), the highest incidence and mortality rates are observed in the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil.