Early detection is key when it comes to breast cancer, and knowing your personal risk can make all the difference in treatment outcomes. From understanding when to start screenings to exploring cutting edge therapies, Dr. Hadeel Assad, a Medical Oncologist with Karmanos Cancer Institute breaks down what every woman should know about breast health.
She stopped by “Live in the D,” to talk about the importance of early detection, and how it is key for a breast cancer diagnosis. “Diagnosing breast cancer when it’s at an earlier stage gives the patient the best chance of successful treatment or being cured.” She said they like to diagnose breast cancer when it’s asymptomatic, and before it grows or spreads to other areas, making treatments easier and outcomes better. “Our goal is to improve cancer free survival.”
She said in order to detect breast cancer early, it’s important for women to have their mammograms, and to report any changes in their breasts. The average risk for breast cancer in women is 12%, meaning 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Doctors recommend beginning screening mammograms once a year starting at age 40, and up to age 75. For women at higher risk because of a family history or they carry a hereditary genetic mutation, sometimes screening starts at age 25. Dr. Assad said they can alternate with breast MRI or ultrasound and the mammogram.
At Karmanos Cancer Institute, Dr. Assad said you don’t just meet with one doctor, you get to meet with the surgical, radiation, and medical oncologists, sometimes in the same day. They offer these and many other services at their Farmington Hills MDT clinic.
If you receive a cancer diagnosis, Dr. Assad said it’s important to seek a 2nd opinion.
To learn more about the services offered at Karmanos Cancer Institute, click here
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