Breast cancer is
easy to treat if you discover it early. Women with a high risk are encouraged
to schedule an annual mammography. Unfortunately, the number of women who
should get mammography has decreased due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since the beginning
of March, most hospitals have cancelled elective procedures such as breast
cancer screenings. Breast cancer surgeries were also changed, cancelled, or
delayed.
Timely breast
cancer screening has reduced the death rate by 20%. Unfortunately, five out of
a thousand women screened for breast cancer are diagnosed with the disease. Delays
and cancellation of the mammography mean that the 5% will receive a diagnosis
when the cancer is beyond the early stages. The treatment for patients with a
late diagnosis will delay treatment and the chances of recovery will be reduced.
Women above fifty
years or those with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk.
Doctors and
physicians are now urging patients to re-book their mammography appointment if
they had cancelled it due to the pandemic. Also, doctors are emphasizing the
need to know the early signs of breast cancer.
The doctors
believe that women should also learn how to self diagnose. Patient education is
essential in diagnosing breast cancer and recovery. It empowers patients to
take charge of their health.
It is easy to
treat breast cancer if it is discovered early. Also, the cost of treatment is
lower than when the cancer is in an advanced stage. Treatment for early-stage
breast cancer may include surgery or radiation or multiple treatment modes
combined.
If breast cancer
is in the advanced stage, physicians use radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. Health
providers have increased measures to protect their patients and themselves from
Covid-19 infections so you can have a cancer screening without fear of
infection.