Chada Azar
MTV Website Exclusive
Postponing is one of the many vices of the human race. We put off everything, from confrontations to health checkups. Breast cancer is becoming an increasingly urgent issue. By 2050, an estimated 3.2 million new cases are expected worldwide, and 1.1 million women may die from the disease each year. Let’s stop running and start acting, shall we?
Recognizing Early Signs
In an exclusive interview with MTV’s website, Dr. Ghassan Atallah explains that the most common early signs of breast cancer are painless lumps or areas of thickening in the breast that feel different from the surrounding tissue.
“Women should perform a breast self-exam once a month, a few days after their periods. Postmenopausal women should choose the same day each month to check themselves,” he says.
Dr. Atallah adds that women at average risk should start getting yearly mammograms at age 40. Women at higher risk, such as those with a strong family history of breast cancer, should begin yearly mammograms between the ages of 30 and 35, alternating with MRI scans every six months.
“Young women should look out for new lumps or thickening that are usually painless, firm, and different from surrounding tissue. Changes in the size or shape of the breasts or nipples, and unusual nipple discharge, especially if bloody, should not be ignored,” he advises. “Swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone could indicate enlarged lymph nodes related to breast cancer.”
Screening Recommendations and Effectiveness
“Family history and genetics play a major role in breast cancer. Five to ten percent of cases are caused by inherited gene mutations, which in some cases can double or even multiply a woman’s lifetime risk,” he explains.
“Current screening methods are reliable. Mammograms detect 85 to 90 percent of cases in older women and 75 to 85 percent overall, offering routine screening with a proven mortality benefit. Ultrasounds detect 70 to 85 percent of cases and are useful for women with dense breasts. MRIs are the most sensitive, detecting 90 to 95 percent of cases, especially in high-risk women,” he explains.
Dr. Atallah urges anyone experiencing these symptoms to schedule a doctor’s visit promptly.
“Men can also get breast cancer, although it is rare. It accounts for about one percent of all cases and usually occurs between the ages of 60 and 70,” he adds.
He emphasizes that certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of breast cancer: “Keeping a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, limiting red and processed meats and sugary or refined foods, and cutting back on alcohol and avoiding smoking can all lower your risk,” he says.
Health issues sneak up when you least expect them to. They don’t wait for you, and neither should you. Your health is priceless. Pay attention, take action, and make yourself a priority.
Recognizing Early Signs
In an exclusive interview with MTV’s website, Dr. Ghassan Atallah explains that the most common early signs of breast cancer are painless lumps or areas of thickening in the breast that feel different from the surrounding tissue.
“Women should perform a breast self-exam once a month, a few days after their periods. Postmenopausal women should choose the same day each month to check themselves,” he says.
Dr. Atallah adds that women at average risk should start getting yearly mammograms at age 40. Women at higher risk, such as those with a strong family history of breast cancer, should begin yearly mammograms between the ages of 30 and 35, alternating with MRI scans every six months.
“Young women should look out for new lumps or thickening that are usually painless, firm, and different from surrounding tissue. Changes in the size or shape of the breasts or nipples, and unusual nipple discharge, especially if bloody, should not be ignored,” he advises. “Swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone could indicate enlarged lymph nodes related to breast cancer.”
Screening Recommendations and Effectiveness
“Family history and genetics play a major role in breast cancer. Five to ten percent of cases are caused by inherited gene mutations, which in some cases can double or even multiply a woman’s lifetime risk,” he explains.
“Current screening methods are reliable. Mammograms detect 85 to 90 percent of cases in older women and 75 to 85 percent overall, offering routine screening with a proven mortality benefit. Ultrasounds detect 70 to 85 percent of cases and are useful for women with dense breasts. MRIs are the most sensitive, detecting 90 to 95 percent of cases, especially in high-risk women,” he explains.
Dr. Atallah urges anyone experiencing these symptoms to schedule a doctor’s visit promptly.
“Men can also get breast cancer, although it is rare. It accounts for about one percent of all cases and usually occurs between the ages of 60 and 70,” he adds.
He emphasizes that certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of breast cancer: “Keeping a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, limiting red and processed meats and sugary or refined foods, and cutting back on alcohol and avoiding smoking can all lower your risk,” he says.
Health issues sneak up when you least expect them to. They don’t wait for you, and neither should you. Your health is priceless. Pay attention, take action, and make yourself a priority.
