The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) has released new NCCN Guidelines for Patients®: Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis to help people understand their personal risk of breast cancer, when they should start screening, and how often to do it-; detect cancer earlier, for more treatment options and better outcomes. With this information, they are equipped to have more informed conversations with their healthcare providers and make active decisions about their long-term health.
The Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines are the latest in NCCN’s library of NCCN Guidelines for Patients®, published with funding from the NCCN Foundation® and available for free at NCCN.org/patientguidelines and through the NCCN Patient app Guides for Cancer. NCCN Guidelines for Patients provides information on nearly 60 types of cancer, as well as topics such as side effects of treatment, managing distress, and survivorship.
There are many, often conflicting, recommendations surrounding breast cancer screening, causing much confusion and apprehension. These are the latest expert evidence-based guidelines in the field of breast cancer screening and diagnosis from more than two dozen leading cancer centers in the United States.”
Therese Bevers, MD, professor of clinical cancer prevention, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Chair, NCCN Guideline Panel for Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
“Everyone with breasts has some risk of breast cancer, so the key is to know your risk,” Dr. Bevers said. “Most women at average risk should get screened every year, starting at age 40, but if there are additional risk factors, a provider might recommend an earlier start.” According to the guidelines, women should undergo a breast cancer risk assessment from the age of 25. The increased risk is based on a number of factors, including age and a family history of certain cancers, such as ovarian and pancreatic cancer, not just breast cancer.
And regular screening and breast exams are safe and important for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, Dr. Bevers added. “A lot of women think they have to stop this, but we can protect the womb and the radiation is very low-dose and targeted. It’s important to keep up with screenings. Especially for women who are in their first pregnancy when they take place. 40 years or more.”
“Annual mammography screening beginning at age 40 is associated with the highest mortality reduction for average-risk women,” said Mark Helvie, MD, professor, active emeritus, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan; Member of the NCCN Guideline Panel for Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis. “Regular screening and breast exams help find breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Getting a mammogram at infrequent or irregular intervals limits its effectiveness. For women at higher risk, the guidelines NCCN recommends starting screening earlier and often includes a breast MRI in addition to the mammogram.”
The NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis also addresses the proper evaluation of breast symptoms, which are most commonly seen as a palpable lump, nipple pain, or discharge; although anything unusual with the breasts should be discussed with a doctor. Cancer symptoms can be similar to symptoms of benign causes and can also occur in unique ways. Therefore, if a provider or patient discovers anything out of the ordinary, the NCCN guidelines recommend prompt clinical monitoring and diagnostic imaging and, in some cases, biopsy to determine the correct diagnosis.
“These guidelines will help so many people,” said Sue Friedman, DVM, executive director, Facing Our Cancer Risk Empowered. “There is general confusion about breast cancer screening guidelines and what people should follow based on their risk. The NCCN Patient Guidelines are an easy way for people to access up-to-date expert recommendations on plain language”.
The NCCN guidelines for patients are based on the NCCN Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines (NCCN® Guidelines), which are updated frequently by multidisciplinary teams of experts from all NCCN member institutions. The patient versions present unbiased expert guidance in an easy-to-read format, with clear language, graphics, images and a glossary of medical terms.
Patient guidelines are also available for colorectal cancer and lung cancer screening. Learn more at NCCN.org/patients.
Source:
Comprehensive National Cancer Network