According to  2024 research about 5 to 10 per cent of breast cancer cases are thought to result directly from gene changes passed on from a parent. While an individual can be diagnosed with breast cancer without possessing any risk factors; specific lifestyle modifications and timely screening can possibly mitigate the chances of contracting breast cancer.

Breast cancer screening is an important health measure that plays a vital role in early detection and treatment of the disease. Early screening allows for the identification of breast cancer at more treatable stages, significantly improving survival rates and reducing the need for aggressive interventions. Regular screenings, such as mammograms, help detect abnormalities before symptoms appear, empowering individuals with the opportunity for timely medical intervention.

The American Cancer Society provides screening guidelines tailored to different risk levels for breast cancer, distinguishing between women at average risk and those at high risk. These guidelines are designed to ensure that individuals receive appropriate screening based on their specific risk factors.

 

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Who Is Considered At Average Breast Cancer Risk According to American Cancer Society?

For screening purposes, a woman is considered to be at average risk if she 

• doesn’t have a personal history of breast cancer, 
• a strong family history of breast cancer, 
• a genetic mutation known to increase the risk of breast cancer (such as in a BRCA gene),
• has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30. 

For average-risk women, the ACS screening recommendations are as follows: 
 

Women Between Age	Screening Recommendation
40 to 44	Starting screening with annual mammography is an option.
45 to 54	Should get mammograms every year.
55 and older	Can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.

 

Clinical breast exams are not recommended by the American Cancer Society for breast cancer screening among average-risk women at any age.

The American Cancer Society recommends against MRI screening for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15 per cent. The ACS considers that the use of either two-dimensional (2D) or 3D (digital tomosynthesis) mammography is in line with current screening recommendations, and that women and their physicians should be able to choose between 2D and 3D mammography, according to which they believe would be more appropriate.

 

Related story: Preventing Breast Cancer

 

USPSTF Screening Guidelines

However, as of April 30, 2024, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all women get screened for breast cancer every other year, starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74, to reduce their risk of dying from this disease.

Also, the USPSTF concludes that evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening mammography in women aged 75 years and older and that evidence is insufficient to assess the role of supplemental screening for women with dense breasts.

 

Related story: How to Do A Breast Self-Exam

 

Who Is Considered At High Breast Cancer Risk as per American Cancer Society?

Women who:

• Have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of about 20 per cent to 25 per cent or greater, according to risk assessment tools that are based mainly on family history 
• Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation (based on having had genetic testing)
• Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, and have not had genetic testing themselves
• Had radiation therapy to the chest before they were 30 years old
• Have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or have first-degree relatives with one of these syndromes

 

Related story: Breast cancer Awareness: How to Do A Self-Breast Exam

 

ACS found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against annual MRI screening for women with the following risk factors, such as:
Personal history of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), or atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH).
“Extremely” or “heterogeneously” dense breasts as seen on a mammogram.

ACS also recommends that If an MRI is done, it should be in addition to, not a replacement for, a screening mammogram. While an MRI is more likely to detect cancer than a mammogram, it may still miss some cancers that a mammogram could identify.

Most women at high risk should start screening with MRI and mammograms around age 30 and continue as long as they remain in good health. However, this decision should be made in consultation with a woman’s healthcare providers, considering her individual circumstances and preferences.

 

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How Helpful are Clinical Breast Exams and Breast Self-Exam as per ACS?

Research has not demonstrated a clear advantage of routine physical breast exams, whether performed by healthcare professionals or by women themselves. There is minimal evidence that these exams improve early detection of breast cancer when women are also receiving screening mammograms. Typically, women notice symptoms, like lumps, during everyday activities such as bathing or dressing. It’s important for women to be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel and to report any changes to a healthcare provider right away.

While the American Cancer Society does not recommend regular clinical breast exams or breast self-exams as part of a routine breast cancer screening schedule, this doesn’t mean they should never be done. In certain situations, particularly for women at higher-than-average risk, healthcare providers may still offer clinical breast exams and provide counselling about risk and early detection. Some women might also prefer to do self-exams to monitor their breasts. However, it’s important to understand that there is very little evidence that routine exams are helpful for women at average risk of breast cancer.

 

Related story: Is Early Onset Cancer on Rise?

 

Breast Examination Guidelines as per USPSTF

The USPSTF has not addressed breast examination for cancer screening since 2009, when it recommended against having clinicians teach women how to perform breast self-examination, and found insufficient evidence to assess the additional benefits and harms of clinical breast examination beyond screening mammography in women 40 years or older.

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are at risk of or already have any underlying condition. Taking regular health checks can help detect the condition at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.

With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.
To schedule your screenings easily, download the UR.Life app from the Play Store or App Store. The app offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to book appointments at your convenience. Stay on top of your health with timely reminders and access to your screening history.