Breast cancer remains the most common malignant tumor in women. About one in twelve women will encounter this disease at some point in her life. Despite significant progress in understanding breast cancer, it remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. This tragic statistic is due to a direct link between the stage at which the disease is detected and treatment effectiveness—and therefore, patient survival rates.
If the disease is detected at stage 1, around 95% of patients achieve long-term remission. However, if it is detected at stage 2, this figure unfortunately drops to only 70%.
Regular visits to a mammologist are essential for early detection, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment.
So, when should a woman see a mammologist?
The first category includes women without any symptoms or high-risk factors. For them, screening should occur at least once a year. If seeing a mammologist is not possible, your gynecologist can perform a breast examination.
The second category includes women with risk factors. High-risk factors include:
- A personal history of breast cancer, even if treated 20-30 years ago, as the risk of developing a tumor in the other breast is 30% higher than in healthy women;
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially if close relatives were diagnosed before age 50;
- Childhood or adolescent radiation therapy to the chest area (before age 30).
Screening for this group should be done at least once every six months.
Other risk factors include women who:
- Have obesity, as fatty tissue produces estrogen-like compounds, increasing the risk of breast cancer;
- Had their first menstruation before age 12 and late menopause (after age 55);
- Have not given birth or breastfed;
- Are on combined hormone therapy with estrogen and progesterone during menopause;
- Have liver disease, as the liver is responsible for estrogen metabolism;
- Consume alcohol, especially at a young age, as it negatively affects liver health.
For patients with risk factors, a mammologist will establish an individualized screening plan and follow-up schedule at the initial consultation.
The next category includes women who visit a doctor due to specific concerns.
Here are some signals that warrant a visit to the mammologist:
- Breast pain, regardless of the type. It may be sharp or occasional, related to the menstrual cycle, physical activity, short-term, or lasting several weeks or months. Pain may be localized or spread across the entire breast.
- Changes in breast shape or size, skin protrusion, or indentation.
- Feeling lumps upon palpation—another warning sign.
- Nipple discharge, especially spontaneous discharge seen on clothing outside of breastfeeding.
These are all warning signs that should be assessed by a doctor. Remember that early detection greatly increases the chances of a complete recovery.