Breast Cancer: Regular screening is crucial

Dr Leora Sweidan,, Consultant Radiologist

Popular myths debunked

“Early detection is the best chance of saving lives,” says Dr Leora Sweidan, a local radiologist specialising in screening for breast cancer. In fact, regular screening by means of mammograms reduces mortality from this cancer by up to 40%.

Leora explains that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with about one in eight women developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Annual mammograms are recommended from age 40 and, due to the increasing trend of aggressive breast cancers in younger women, early detection is critical.

Unfortunately, there are a number of myths in the public mindset, which tend to make screening for breast cancer less popular than should be the case. Leora raises this as a concern for women’s health, and seeks to dispel these myths. She highlights these misconceptions:

Myth #1: Mammograms are dangerous and painful

Three-dimensional mammography is the most modern screening and diagnostic tool available for the early detection of breast cancer. These machines deliver a very low dose of radiation which is considered safe even with annual mammograms. In addition, a 3D mammogram requires minimal compression of the breast so your examination should really be pain-free when performed by an experienced mammographer.

Myth #2: I don’t feel a breast lump so I don’t require breast screening

Many patients diagnosed with breast cancer have no symptoms at all – this emphasises the need for regular mammograms as advanced disease is harder to treat.

Myth #3: I don’t have a family history of breast cancer so I am not at risk

More than 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history or inherited mutation. Leora highlights that, “Being female is risky enough!”

It is, however, important to know that if you are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, you are at slightly higher risk for developing breast cancer due to the increased incidence of BRCA mutation. Mutations in BRCA genes raise a person’s risk for getting breast cancer at a young age and also for getting ovarian and other cancers. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer involving first and/or second degree relatives, inform your doctor so they can refer you for appropriate screening and genetic counselling  if required.

1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish women have a BRCA 1/2 gene mutation.

If your mother or father has a BRCA gene mutation, you have a 50% chance of having the same mutation.

NOTE: 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish women have a BRCA 1/2 gene mutation. If your mother or father has a BRCA gene mutation, you have a 50% chance of having the same mutation.

Myth #4: Screening mammograms are guaranteed to find cancer

While annual mammograms are very important for women, there are limitations and this is mostly due to dense breast tissue. The denser the breast tissue, the more likely it is that a cancer will be obscured by the tissue. Patients with dense breasts are at higher risk for developing breast cancers and should always be having ultrasound examinations at the time of their mammogram. Breast MRI is an additional imaging method for evaluating dense breasts. 

Myth #5: I had a normal mammogram last year, so I don’t need another one this year

Mammography is detection, not prevention, so annual mammograms are recommended. This means that cancers will be detected at an earlier stage than if a mammogram is done every 2nd or 3rd year.

Ultimately, the most important message from Leora is that one has a much better chance of surviving breast cancer if it is detected at an early stage. So, don’t linger when it comes to regular screening!

Well Women Bone & Breast is a specialised bone and breast radiology practice in Sea Point headed up by Consultant Radiologist, Dr Leora Sweidan. The practice offers a range of services, including:

•    Mammography
•    Desitometry (bone density scanning)
•    Breast MRI

Leora is focused on providing her patients with the latest innovative imaging technology to optimise early detection of breast cancer.

Her empathy, compassion and supportive communication are key to her practice as a breast radiologist with more than 14 years experience in this field.


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