This article offers a guide to diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Discuses non-invasive diagnostic tests available, information on recovery and healing.
Discusses the debates about mammography screening, arguing that screening can often be unnecessary and have negative impacts. Notes that screening has not reduced incidence of advanced cancers, a prerequisite for successful screening.
Explains the current issues with mammography scrrening and summarizes the evidence about it. Discusses the recent controversies about the guideline on screening for breast cancer for average-risk women (aged 40 to 79) that was released in late 2011 by The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. This guideline updated screening recommendations made by the Task Force’s predecessor, the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination, in 2001. The focus of the guideline is on mammography screening, but the guideline authors also recommended against clinical breast examination (by physicians) and breast self-examination by patients.
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.
New screening guidelines in Canada that state women aged 40–74 years with average risk for breast cancer do not need mammograms as often as thought, announced November 21, 2011 byThe Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.
The new guidelines include these recommendations for Canada: - women under age 50 who are at an average risk of developing breast cancer should not have routine mammograms - clinical breast exams and self-exams have no benefit and shouldn’t be used - women aged 50 to 69 who are at an average risk should have mammograms every two to three years, instead of every year or two - women aged 70 to 74 who are at an average risk should have mammograms every two to three years (previous guidelines didn’t recommend screening for that age group)
The recommendations don’t apply to women with an elevated risk of breast cancer, such as those with a history of the disease in a first-degree relative or those with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Dépistage du cancer du sein : ce que vivent les femmes en attente d'un diagnostic
Media Type:
Online
Author:
Patricia Pineault
Lise Goulet
Isabelle Mimeault
Discusses a study done in 2003 of women in Montreal who were waiting the results of their breast cancer screening. All participants received abnormal mammographic screening results and had to undergo additional examinations before obtaining the final diagnosis received an evaluation questionnaire.
The conclusions of the RQASF’s evaluation coincide with other research on anxiety experienced by women during the breast cancer screening and investigation process. Of particular note is that while the support of family and friends comforts women, it does not significantly reduce the level of anxiety of participants in the screening program.Only early support from health professionals diminishes their anxiety and prevents it from continuing through the subsequent stages. The fundamental role of physicians in providing support to women was strikingly clear. Another major element is the close relationship between emotional and informational support.
Discusses when to have a mammogram, what is a mammogram, what to expect, mammograms and radiation, minimizing the risk of breast cancer, and the government of Canada's role.
Explains how women can take charge of their breast health through breast self-examination and breast screening tests. Includes answers to frequently asked questions.
Explains, in Chinese, how women can take charge of their breast health through breast self-examination and breast screening tests. Includes answers to frequently asked questions.
Explains, in Punjabi, how women can take charge of their breast health through breast self-examination and breast screening tests. Includes answers to frequently asked questions.
