Breast cancer screening: how and when to do it?
By Dr. Esther Suárez Agustín, gynecologist at the Women's Unit.
Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women. Fortunately, early detection significantly increases the chances of a cure. Therefore, breast cancer screening is a fundamental tool in preventive medicine.
But when should we start these tests? What methods are used? And how is screening tailored to age and risk factors? Dr. Esther Suárez Agustín, a gynecologist in the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital, explains.
What is screening?breast cancer?
Screening involves performing diagnostic tests on apparently healthy women to detect tumors at very early stages, even before symptoms appear. This allows for more effective and less aggressive treatments, thus improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
What tests are used?
Mammography is the primary screening test. In some women, especially younger women with dense breasts, it can be supplemented with a breast ultrasound . More rarely, in high-risk women (due to family or genetic history), a breast MRI may be necessary.
Screening according to age
The screening approach varies by age group, combining international recommendations with individual factors and the public health guidelines of each autonomous community:
- Minors of 40 years:
Routine screening is not recommended for healthy women under 40 years of age, except in high-risk cases. For the general population, breast self-examination is recommended as a measure of awareness and self-knowledge.
For women with genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), screening begins at age 25 with ultrasounds and breast MRIs. At these ages, mammography is not the recommended technique. - Between 40 and 49 years:
Recommendations vary depending on risk factors. In general, individualized screening is suggested, with mammograms annually or every two years. The decision should be made jointly by the woman and her doctor, weighing the benefits and potential drawbacks.
Many international consensuses, such as the American ones, advocate annual mammograms starting at age 40. - Between 50 and 69 years:
This is the group in which there is the most evidence on the effectiveness of screening. The general recommendation is to perform mammograms every two years, although in women with risk factors an annual frequency may be chosen. - Over 70 years:
If the woman is healthy and has a good life expectancy, she may benefit from screening. In this group, the decision should also be individualized.
Risk factors that modify screening
Age is important, but it's not the only factor. Screening should also be tailored to each woman based on her medical and family history. Some risk factors that warrant closer monitoring include:
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2).
- Previous radiotherapy in the thoracic area.
- Previous breast biopsies with benign lesions, but with high potential risk.
There is no single formula for breast cancer prevention. Screening should be personalized and agreed upon between the patient and the medical professional, taking into account her age, personal and family history, and lifestyle.
At the Women's Unit of the Ruber International Hospital , we have a multidisciplinary team and cutting-edge technology to offer individualized and safe follow-up at all stages of a woman's life.
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If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized department in this area. You can request more information by calling 91 387 51 72/73/74 or schedule an in-person appointment with top specialists.