Changing landscape: Early detection is key for breast cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to educate the community on the prevalence of breast cancer, the importance of scheduling mammograms, early detection and the lasting impact of a breast cancer diagnosis. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers for women in the United States and accounts for approximately 30% of all new cancers for females each year.

Schedule your mammogram early

A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer early, which can lead to less aggressive treatment. Mammograms can often find breast changes that could be cancer years before physical symptoms develop. According to recent guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), women should begin annual mammograms starting at 40 years old instead of the previously recommended age of 50. However, high-risk women younger than 40 may need to be scanned sooner, depending on their provider’s recommendation. Even women who have no symptoms and no known risks for breast cancer should have regularly scheduled mammograms to help detect potential breast cancer at the earliest possible time.

“With yearly mammograms starting at age 40 for average-risk women, we are able to detect changes earlier. The sooner we identify subtle changes, the better. Fortunately, we see many women with early changes that are not yet cancer, as well as stage zero cancers where treatment is minimal. Women at high risk can start breast imaging before the age of 40, but this should be determined by a health care provider, preferably a breast specialist,” said UHS oncology nurse navigator Julia Mack, BSN, RN, CBCN.

The recent guideline is a response to rising cancer rates among women in their 40s, as well as evidence that earlier mammograms help save lives. The latest data from the National Cancer Institute reported the rate of breast cancer among women ages 40 to 49 increased by 2% per year, on average, from 2015 to 2019. With the changing landscape and evolving research from studies and clinical trials, experts are updating guidelines to try and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to breast cancer detection.

Breast cancer can affect mental health

While breast cancer is a physical illness, it is also one with a significant mental health impact. There are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, people commonly experience many emotions before, during and after treatment. Some people may feel anxious, sad or stressed but find these feelings subside as time passes. However, these feelings can linger for months or even years and begin to affect your daily life sometimes. It is important to remember that no feeling is right or wrong — and there is no right or wrong moment to experience it. Knowing how breast cancer can affect mental health can help people get the support they need.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), nearly one in every four people diagnosed with breast cancer will experience depression. Taking care of your mental health and well-being after being diagnosed with breast cancer can help improve your quality of life — especially if you are not feeling like yourself anymore. It may be helpful to consider mental health support services if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Changes in your overall mood, such as feeling sad, constantly stressed or anxious.
• Lack of joy or interest in activities you normally enjoy.
• Changes in appetite that result in weight loss or gain.
• Difficulty getting out of bed because of a lack of energy and not because of breast cancer treatment side effects.
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing.
• Using alcohol or drugs to reduce stress.
• Noticing an increase in aches and pains, including headaches and stomachaches. 

Having breast cancer can be an emotional and traumatizing experience during and after treatment, but having a great support system can help. UHS offers a variety of services for cancer survivorship and support. Our services include dedicated support from oncology social workers, oncology-specific nutrition services from a board-certified dietitian, comprehensive coordination from oncology nurse navigators and referrals to cancer support groups and reputable resources.

“Having a breast cancer diagnosis at any stage can create feelings of overwhelm, worry and fear for what’s next. Knowing you can take control and work with our knowledgeable providers on a treatment plan that is best for you may help alleviate some of those feelings. Along the way, you’ll have the support of our entire care team, including our oncology social workers who understand the impact that breast cancer diagnosis can have on mental health and can help their patients cope with the stress that may come,” said UHS oncology social worker Kathleen Stevens, LMSW.

It's important to keep up on mammograms to help detect breast cancer early. Breast cancers found during screening exams are more likely to be smaller and less likely to have spread outside the breast, making them easier to treat. You may feel overwhelmed or anxious after being diagnosed with breast cancer. If you have these feelings or experience any of the symptoms previously listed, please consider mental health support services. You are not alone. You can help improve your quality of life by taking care of your mental health and well-being.

Show your support

There are many ways to show support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in our community. To help raise awareness and money for cancer patients during October, UHS has partnered with local organizations, Lost Dog Café, Williams Toyota of Binghamton and Williams Ford of Binghamton, where they plan to donate a portion of their proceeds to the UHS Breast Center.

You can also join our UHS Breast Cancer team at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Sunday, October 13. The non-competitive walk provides a supportive community for everyone affected by breast cancer. The walk will take place in Otsiningo Park with food trucks, a mammography van, a UHS raffle tent and more. No matter how you show support, the most important thing is that you are doing it for patients battling breast cancer, those who lost their lives to the disease, and breast cancer survivors. To schedule a mammogram or learn more about breast cancer support groups and resources, visit nyuhs.org.