If this kind of talk makes you uncomfortable, please don’t continue reading.

If you knew of a way to potentially save the life of a woman you love, would you share the information?

According to breastcancer.org, about one in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.

In 2016, an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women, along with 61,000 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.

Another alarming statistic is about 85 percent of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer.

In women under 45, breast cancer is more common in African-American women than white women. African-American women are more likely to die of breast cancer. For Asian, Hispanic and Native American women, the risk of developing and dying from breast cancer is lower.

With these statistics readily available, why is it many women will not seek a test that can detect breast cancer - a mammogram?

“Be breast self aware,” Dr. Lee B. Riley, section chief, surgical oncology, medical director, oncology service line and director of surgical research at St. Luke’s University Hospital, said during a recent interview.

“If you feel or notice a persistent change in your breast, bring it to the attention of your health care provider,” Riley said.

Riley also said prevention is the best defense.

“Prevention includes hormonal therapy with Tamoxifen, surgical prevention, removing the breast, ideal body weight and exercise, which is the biggest component for every part of our life and early detection with a mammogram.”

For some women who have dense breasts, a mammogram is a little more difficult to read.

The American Cancer Society said breasts are made up of lobules, ducts and fatty and fibrous connective tissue. Lobules produce milk and are often called “glandular tissue.” Fibrous tissue and fat give breasts their size and shape and hold the other tissues in place. Breasts will be seen as dense if women have a lot of fibrous or glandular tissue and not much fat in the breasts. Some women have more dense breast tissue than others. For most women, breasts become less dense with age. But in some women, there’s little change. Breast density is very common and is not abnormal.

Riley said a mammogram is still the best tool for early screening of breast cancer. If a woman has a dense breast, 3-D mammography is going to be a better picture.

“We use 3-D ultrasound with no radiation involved. In addition, a new blood test decreases unnecessary biopsies by 60 percent, and there are well-documented studies on this new blood test. It may be the way to complement the difficult mammogram. We are currently looking at the data for all of these tools. It is a very exciting time,” Riley said.

Riley said the new recommendation from the American Cancer Society is for a mammogram to be discussed with a woman between the ages of 40 and 44, and they could have annual mammograms if they wish. For women ages 45 to 54, a mammogram should be done annually. Women over age 55 should have a mammogram every two years with a choice to have them yearly. He said the test should be based on what the woman thinks her risk is and her concerns.

I have many friends and acquaintances who have benefited from early detection.

And I have many friends who refuse to get a mammogram.

“Our screening rates are not as good as they should be,” Riley said. “We need to work on this as a community.” Riley suggests making a mammogram screening a fun thing.

“Grab a friend and go get the mammograms. Then go treat yourself to a coffee or a massage. Do it with somebody; just get it done.”

I agree. It is always better to go with a companion when facing something we might be nervous or apprehensive about.

However, I refuse to believe it is better to ignore the fact that a simple screening could save the life of someone you care for or your own life.

You matter. You are important to someone.

Please get screened. It could save your life.

Debbie Galbraith

editor

East Penn Press

Salisbury Press

Dr. Lee B. Riley