Mamogram or ultrasound

STATISTICS show increased cases of breast cancer in women. Incidence of breast cancer sufferers was 1:19 in the country making it the most common cancer among all ethnic groups in the country.

Scan can usually detect cancer in stages 1 and 2 and most likely still be cured.

Radiology Consultants Kelana Jaya Medical Centre, Datin Dr. Fatima Moosa said for stage 1 cancer, nearly 90 percent can be restored.

"According to the standards of the United States (U.S.) women aged over 40 years are recommended mammogram once a year until the age of 50 years for screening every two years.

"After 70 years of age, a mammogram can be performed at any time when needed," he said when met at his office recently.

All women are at risk of getting breast cancer, however, more than 70 percent of cases occur unidentified source.

Dr. Fatima added, usually the risk of getting breast cancer increases with age, but women with a family history of cancer has a high chance of having the disease.

Women who have had cancer are at high risk for attack once again.

Women with lobular carcinoma also often attacked by cancer and those with early menarche and late menopause after the age of 55.

Additionally women who do not have children or give birth after the age of 35 are more prone to breast cancer.

Those who take high-fat diet, alcohol and smoking are also exposed to the risk of breast cancer.

Hence to avoid breast cancer, tests need to be done to detect it.

Usually mammogram is used to detect cancer at an early stage of the recovery potential is higher.

Scan is important because early treatment can be done and usually they are diagnosed with breast cancer have no risk.

Mammograms were only performed on women aged 40 years and above because fat cells have begun to decrease.

If mammograms only for women aged 40 years and above how to diagnose women under the age of 40?

Dr. She said, women under 40 years old is recommended to use ultrasound technique if suspected of having breast cancer.

"However ultrasound scans only certain areas only and depends on skilled operator and only for the target area," he said.

Ultrasound is very sensitive but not specific as mammograms.

"Ultrasound can not scan a breast portion," he said.

However, do not worry about the test because the radiation dose is low and can be done every year.

Thus the message Dr. Fatimah, if there are abnormalities in the breast, do not hesitate to see a doctor though not yet 40 years old.

source Utusan