Think BreastHealth: Mammograms And Early Detection

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- On the front lines in the fight against breast cancer -- are mammograms, the x-ray of the breast.

Imaging has made significant strides, finding smaller cancers, earlier.

At 53 years old, Joy Long went in for her first mammogram. She knew she was late to have it done, and right away, doctors spotted something.

"(I was) nervous at first, but I knew cysts ran in our family, but I was still anxious about it," Long said.

That's when the doctors at Riverside Methodist Hospital radiology pulled in the ultrasound to get a closer look.

"We found a spot on her mammogram. We wanted to characterize with an ultrasound. It's a very small nodule," said Dr. Peter Lafferty.

By using the mammogram and ultrasound, doctors can determine if they need more tests -- or if it's just a cyst.

Using the two together can give doctors a more accurate look at anything suspicious -- immediately.

"So it's very rapid and very precise," Lafferty said.

For Long, she received good news.

"It's the thing we want to find in a spot on a mammogram because we can tell a patient, you're fine. Don't worry about it. We'll see you next year," Lafferty said.

When it comes to early detection, Lafferty said self-breast exams and mammograms are critical for finding breast cancers early.

Women should have an annual mammogram beginning at age 40 -- and earlier if there is a family history of the disease.

There are also breast MRIs and genetic testing for those in high-risk groups.

"Really, any woman who seems to have a cluster of cancers for the first-degree relatives, mothers, sisters, starts to raise a red flag and a certified genetic counselor can map that out," Lafferty said.

Early detection is key to fighting and surviving breast cancer and Lafferty said that with more advanced imaging, cancers are being found at a smaller size and earlier stage.

After her mammogram, Long has peace of mind.

"It was like a heavy weight was lifted off my shoulders," Long said. "It was nice to see what they were doing and the size of it and they pointed out on the screen and it was nice to have the answer right then and there."

In addition to yearly mammograms, women can also do monthly self-breast exams.

Knowing what to look for is critical.

According to the Mayo Clinic, you may notice a breast lump or thickening that feels odd.

There may be discharge from the nipple -- either bloody or clear, along with a change in the size or shape of the breast.

You may notice changes to the skin of the breast -- like dimpling, an inverted nipple, peeling or flaking of the nipple, or redness of the skin of the breast.

There may be swelling in the armpit or persistent tenderness or itching of the breast.

Getting diagnosed with breast cancer can be a devastating blow, but it doesn't automatically mean you'll die from it.

An increasing number of women are beating the disease.

In fact, breast cancer survival rates continue to improve with the five-year survival rate at 89 percent.

When it comes to breast cancer, some things you can't control, like your family history, age or simply being a woman.

But there are some things you can do to lower the risk of developing the disease.

According to the Mayo Clinic, these lifestyle factors can reduce your risk.

First, limit alcohol. There is a link between alcohol and breast cancer. Consider limiting yourself to a drink or less a day.

Next, maintain a healthy weight. Doctors said there is a clear link between obesity and breast cancer, especially if you gain weight after menopause. It has to do with estrogen production in fatty tissue, so watch your weight.

That leads to exercise. Aim for 30 minutes a day or more several days a week. And try to include weight-bearing exercise to keep your bones strong, too.

Finally, cut the fat in your diet. There are studies that show a decrease in risk of invasive breast cancer for women who ate a low-fat diet.

It's scary to think about hearing the words, "You have cancer." It means life changes, dramatically, and you have the fight of your life ahead of you.

While breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women, it isn't a death sentence.

Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since 1990.

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