Why Early Detection is Crucial for Breast Cancer Treatment

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on education, prevention and support for those affected by the disease. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States with one in eight women expected to face a diagnosis during their lifetime.

The encouraging news is that when breast cancer is detected early, it’s often treatable. The five-year survival rate for early-stage breast cancer is nearly 99%. That’s why screenings, self-checks and prevention efforts are essential. By being proactive, you can protect your health and improve your chances of successful treatment.

Common Reasons for Delays in Breast Cancer Detection

Despite the proven benefits of early detection, many women put off screenings or avoid self-checks. Common reasons include fear of diagnosis, concerns about treatment costs, lack of time, and the belief that it won’t happen to them. For some, stigma surrounding cancer or a lack of awareness about how to perform self-exams or when to schedule routine screenings also play a role.

Overcoming those barriers can save lives. Regular checkups, mammograms and at-home techniques provide peace of mind and ensure that if cancer is present, it’s caught in the earliest stages—when treatment is most effective.

How Breast Cancer Progresses if Undetected

Breast cancer often begins as small clusters of abnormal cells that multiply over time. In its earliest stage, cancer is confined to the breast and may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, it can spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body, making treatment more complex.

The more advanced the cancer, the fewer treatment options are available. That’s why detecting breast cancer before it has a chance to spread is the most effective way to improve survival rates.

Early Breast Cancer Detection Methods

• Self-breast exam: Checking your breasts at home can help you become familiar with what feels normal, making it easier to notice changes. To perform a self-exam:
  1. 1. Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms down at your sides, looking for changes in shape, swelling, dimpling or skin texture.
     2. Raise your arms overhead and look for the same changes.
     3. While lying down, use the pads of your fingers to move in a circular pattern from the outside of your breast toward the center, covering the entire breast and armpit area.
     4. Repeat the process while standing or in the shower, when your skin is easier to move over the tissue.
• Clinical breast exam: A healthcare provider examines your breasts and underarm areas for any unusual signs, such as lumps or thickened tissue.
• Mammogram: This test uses X-ray imaging to detect tumors too small to feel by hand. Yearly mammograms are usually recommended for women starting at age 40, but speak to your healthcare provider about what might be right for you.
• Imaging tests: Advanced tools such as ultrasounds, MRIs and 3D mammography provide a clearer look at breast tissue and improve accuracy in detecting cancer.

Early Signs of Breast Cancer

Knowing the signs of breast cancer is just as important as getting regular screenings. Recognizing changes early and talking with your provider can make all the difference.

Common symptoms include:

• A lump or thickening in your breast or underarm tissue
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Unexplained breast pain that doesn’t go away
• Nipple changes such as discharge or inversion
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Redness, swelling or skin irritation

Tips for Preventing Breast Cancer

While not all cases of breast cancer are preventable, certain lifestyle choices may help lower your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body fat can raise estrogen levels, which may increase breast cancer risk.
• Stay physically active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week to support your overall health.
• Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco: Alcohol use and smoking are linked to higher breast cancer risk. Reducing or eliminating them can protect your health.
• Know your family history: If close relatives have had breast cancer, discuss genetic testing and earlier screenings with your provider.
• Breastfeed if possible: Breastfeeding has been shown to provide protective benefits against breast cancer.
• Schedule regular screenings: Annual mammograms and wellness visits allow your care team to detect problems early.

Women’s Health Services and Breast Cancer Screening at Wood County Hospital

Being proactive is the best step you can take in the fight against breast cancer. At Wood County Hospital’s Women’s Center, we offer advanced screening services, including 3D mammography to support early detection. That technology provides detailed images of the breast, allowing our radiologists to identify cancers more clearly, especially in dense breast tissue. 3D mammograms detect 40% more invasive cancers than 2D mammography alone and reduce unnecessary callbacks, giving you greater confidence in your results.

Our compassionate team also provides a full range of cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, medical and radiation oncology, nutrition therapy and supportive care resources. Whether you’re coming in for a routine screening or navigating a new diagnosis, we’re here to provide expert, personalized care.

Schedule your mammogram today by calling the Women’s Center at (419) 354-8743. Take this step for yourself and for the people who love you.