Breast cancer: prevention
Martina Feichter studied biology with an elective subject pharmacy in Innsbruck and also immersed herself in the world of medicinal plants. From there it was not far to other medical topics that still captivate her to this day. She trained as a journalist at the Axel Springer Academy in Hamburg and has been working for since 2007 - first as an editor and since 2012 as a freelance writer.
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Breast cancer screening aims to detect a malignant tumor in the breast as early as possible. Because the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of recovery. Depending on age and risk of disease, doctors recommend various examinations for breast cancer early detection such as ultrasound and mammography. Read everything you need to know about the methods and timing of breast cancer screening here!
ICD codes for this disease: ICD codes are internationally recognized codes for medical diagnoses. They can be found, for example, in doctor's letters or on certificates of incapacity for work. D05C50
Breast cancer screening measures
The doctor uses various examination methods, with the help of which it is possible to detect a malignant tumor in the breast. He scans the breast, does an ultrasound examination (sonography) of the breast and a mammography (chest X-ray).In certain cases, he also performs magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Since screening (early detection) for breast cancer has been established, the chances of a cure for breast cancer have improved significantly.
In addition to regular visits to the doctor, you should carefully palpate your chest yourself once a month in order to detect any changes in good time.
As part of the statutory breast cancer screening, the health insurance companies cover the costs for various early detection measures. Some of these are better for younger women, while others are better for older women. Therefore, experts recommend different examinations depending on the age of the patient. The individual risk of developing breast cancer also plays a role here.
Breast cancer screening between the ages of 20 and 29
Breast cancer is rare in women between the ages of 20 and 29. You therefore do not need any special examinations for early breast cancer detection (unless there is a family history). However, experts recommend going to the gynecologist for a general preventive check-up once a year. The health insurance companies cover the costs. The doctor asks about the state of health and does a gynecological examination.
Breast cancer screening between 30 and 39 years of age
From the age of 30, a gynecologist examines the breast once a year as part of the statutory breast cancer check-up. If the doctor finds anything unusual, he will do an ultrasound scan. He may also refer the patient to a doctor with the appropriate qualifications or to a certified breast cancer center. Mammography may also be necessary.
Breast cancer screening between 40 and 49 years of age
Even for women between 40 and 49 years of age, experts recommend an annual breast examination by a gynecologist. If there are any abnormalities, the doctor will often arrange for a mammogram to be performed directly. He may also do an ultrasound examination, for example if the breast tissue is very dense or if there is a certain mammography result. Sometimes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also useful.
Breast cancer screening between 50 and 69 years of age
As in other age groups, 50 to 69 year old women are offered an annual breast palpation. If the gynecologist discovers an abnormality, he performs a mammography. In any case, women between the ages of 50 and 69 receive a letter every two years inviting them to a mammography screening. The health insurance companies bear the costs for the preventive chest x-ray.
Studies have shown that routine mammography screening for women between the ages of 50 and 69 reduces the number of brood cancer deaths. There are no such results for the other age groups.
Breast cancer screening from the age of 70
Breast cancer screening in this age group provides for an annual breast examination as well as a mammography if the diagnosis is abnormal. It is only advisable for women with an increased risk of the disease to have a routine mammography and only if their state of health allows it.
Breast cancer screening when there is an increased risk of breast cancer
If women are at an increased risk of breast cancer, intensified breast cancer early detection makes sense. This can mean, for example, that the preventive examinations take place more frequently and additional measures take place. Exactly how intensified breast cancer screening looks in individual cases depends on how old the patient is and how much her risk of breast cancer is increased.
The Gynecological Oncology Working Group provides for the following examinations as part of increased breast cancer screening for high-risk patients:
- Palpation of the breast by a gynecologist: every six months from the age of 25
- Breast ultrasound: every six months from the age of 25
- Mammography: every one to two years from the age of 40, or earlier if the risk is higher - for example due to a dense mammary gland tissue
- Magnetic resonance imaging: annually if the risk of breast cancer is very high from the age of 25
For example, women whose mother, sister, grandmother and / or aunt have already had breast cancer (or ovarian cancer) have an increased risk of breast cancer. A mutation of certain risk genes (breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2) may then run in the family. To find out, women can do a genetic test.
The risk of breast cancer is also increased if a woman has had radiation therapy in the chest area in the past (for example for lymphatic cancer). In addition, close-knit examinations for early breast cancer detection may be advisable if there are already noticeable but benign tissue changes in the breast.
If you are at an increased risk of breast cancer, you should discuss with your gynecologist which measures to prevent breast cancer make sense in your case.
