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Breast cancer screening should begin at 40 in Antigua & Barbuda
– Reported January 21, 2013
After a recent study linking radiation exposure to breast cancer made waves globally, a local physician has recommendations for the women of Antigua & Barbuda.
The study, published earlier in the month by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), found that women who inherited the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene a hereditary mutation linked to increased risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer put themselves at greater risk by exposing themselves to radiation associated with mammograms and chest X-rays.
The Exposure to diagnostic radiation and risk of breast cancer among carriers of BRCA1/2 mutations: retrospective cohort study, said in part, In carriers of BRCA1/2 mutations any exposure to diagnostic radiation before the age of 30 was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
For years, women, especially those who are predisposed to cancer, have been advised to have yearly mammograms. The study recommended non-ionising radiation imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging tests for those with the mutations.
According to the National Cancer Institute in the United States, a woman who has inherited the mutation is about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman who does not have such a mutation. It also noted that BRCA1/2 carriers are 5 to 10 per cent more likely to develop breast cancer and 10 to 15 per cent more likely to develop ovarian cancers this was amongst Caucasian women in the United States.
These sobering statistics have led many young women to opt for a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, removal of both breasts, even though they have not been diagnosed with cancer.
For the ones with BRCA1 and BRCA2, they are probably going to get breast cancer, so it is recommended that they consider the prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. This is something that is recommended in these people with this gene, Dr Fernandez said.
A benchmark given by the doctor for those who have a family history said, If somebody had a family member that develops breast cancer, then they probably should start getting a mammogram 10 years younger than when their family member was diagnosed.
Dr Fernandez recommends that discussion about breast cancer screening should begin at 40 for those with low-risk, and yearly mammograms after 50. If someone has risk factors, such as obesity or a family history, then she is recommending starting at the age of 40.
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