Mammogram

Following cervical cancer, breast cancer is the 2^nd most common type of cancer diagnosed in Thai women and has the tendency to increase every year.

Causes of breast cancer

There are no known specific cause.

Non-modifiable risk factors for breast cancer

• Women over 35 years old
• History of being diagnosed with breast cancer
• Early period (before 12 years old) in puberty and late menopause
• Having female family members diagnosed with breast cancer
• Women who had children after the age of 30, or have not had a full-term pregnancy

Preventable risk factors

• Repeated radiation exposure to the chest area before 30 years old
• Drinking alcohol
• Using continuous oral contraceptives for 4 years before first pregnancy
• Lack of exercise
• Overeating or eating unhealthy food
• Breastfeeding for less than 3 months

How to prevent breast cancer

• There are no direct ways to prevent breast cancer
• Early screening for the detection and treatment of breast cancer is the best option

Breast cancer screening for average-risk women

• Ages 20-40 years old, self-exam every month and clinical exam every 3 years
• Ages 40 and up, self-exam every month and clinical exam every year

Breast cancer screening for high-risk women

• Self-exam every month and clinical exam every year
• Getting a mammogram every 2 years

How to prepare for a mammogram

• Avoid drinking beverages or taking medication with caffeine, to prevent breast tenderness causing discomfort during the procedure
• Avoid using antiperspirants, deodorants, and body powder as the particles can show up on the image as microcalcification and give the wrong results.

Breast untrasound

• Used in cases where the mammogram provided an unclear image of any lumps.
• Separating solid and cystic masses, as cystic masses can be diagnosed better via ultrasound.

Limitations: it is a poor screening method, as it cannot detect microcalcification, calcium deposits that can possibly become cancerous.