Women’s Health
Guide to Early Detection of Breast Cancer—Everything You Should Know
Early detection is one of the most critical factors in breast cancer survival rates, and knowing the signs and symptoms to look out for is key to being empowered to own your breast health journey.
According to the American Cancer Society, there will end up being approximately 316,950 new diagnoses of invasive breast cancer among U.S. women in 2025.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation notes, “1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.” Given these statistics and the pervasiveness of the disease, odds are good you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.
However, new technologies and education on early detection of breast cancer are empowering women to know when to be concerned, when to seek treatment and what to look for during self breast exams.
Aspen Valley Health (AVH) stands strong at the leading edge of the best breast cancer healthcare available, helping residents of the Roaring Fork Valley thrive throughout their lives.
We turned to Heather Milne, RN, Breast Navigator at AVH, to talk more about early breast cancer detection, symptoms and the advanced technologies available.
Table of Contents
- What is considered early detection of breast cancer?
- Why is early detection of breast cancer important?
- Early Detection of Breast Cancer Survival Rate
- Advancements Making Early Detection More Effective
- Identify the Early Signs of Breast Cancer
- Early Breast Cancer Symptoms
- When to Get a Mammogram – Recommended Ages
- Considerations for Establishing a Screening Schedule
- Early Detection of Breast Cancer is Key – Schedule Your Mammogram
What is considered early detection of breast cancer?
Scientifically speaking, early-stage breast cancer is “breast cancer that has not spread beyond the breast or the axillary lymph nodes.”
Heather puts it in friendlier terms, noting, “Early detection of breast cancer means finding the disease in its earliest stage before symptoms appear.”
Why is early detection of breast cancer important?
Early detection of breast cancer—either by self breast exam, medical exam or imaging—greatly reduces breast cancer mortality.
According to Heather, “Early detection of breast cancer significantly increases survival rates, allows for less aggressive and less invasive treatments and results in better long-term outcomes for patients.”
What is the breast cancer survival rate when detected early?
Localized breast cancer detected in the earliest stages has a survival rate of approximately 99%. The longer breast cancer goes undetected, the greater chance it has to spread to the lymph nodes and beyond.
According to the American Cancer Society, localized breast cancer (no sign the cancer has spread outside the breast) has a >99% five-year survival rate. As breast cancer spreads, the survival rate decreases notably.
Regional breast cancer (cancer that has spread outside the breast to nearby structures or lymph nodes) has a five-year survival rate of 87%.
Distant breast cancer (cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body such as the lungs, liver or bones) has a five-year survival rate of 32%.
Early detection of breast cancer is key to risk reduction and increasing survival rates after diagnosis.
What You Need to Know About Mammography Technology Advancements
Mammograms are a critical part of early detection of breast cancer. The Preventive Services Task Force of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends women at average risk between the ages of 40 and 74 receive a mammogram every two years, and more frequently for those who are at higher risk.
AVH now offers a new, technologically-advanced mammography system. Developed by Hologic, the new 3Dimensions system takes traditional mammogram technology and levels it up with higher quality 3D imaging for radiologists and a much more comfortable experience for patients.
The 3D element makes this technology more accurate than its 2D predecessors, detecting 20%–65% more invasive breast cancers, making early detection more effective.
“This new technology provides increased accuracy and a higher rate of early detection, especially among women who have dense breast tissue,” says Heather. It’s also much more comfortable.
According to Hologic’s website, the 3Dimensions system, “Improves patient experience with a curved compression surface that mirrors the shape of the breast for more even compression.” In short, no more flattening, smashing or intense pressure and discomfort during your mammogram.
Heather is already seeing the benefits. “The new technology significantly reduces the number of unnecessary call-backs and false positive results by allowing radiologists to see through overlapping tissues.”
Schedule Your Free Mammogram
Turning 40? Regular mammograms are a critical part of early detection of breast cancer, and your mammogram at Aspen Valley Health Breast Center is free in your 40th year. Schedule your appointment today.
Identify the Signs and Symptoms
Spending a few minutes every month to do a breast self-exam can increase your odds of early detection of breast cancer and help you spot warning signs and symptoms.
How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam (BSE)
- With your shoulders straight and your arms by your sides, start by looking in the mirror. Examine your nipples and breasts for any irregularities in size, swelling, color, asymmetry, discharge or other concerning signs.
- Raise your arms above your head and look again, paying particular attention to any changes that occur when you shift body position.
- Lie down on your back and raise one arm over your head. Using the pads of your three middle fingers (keeping them flat and together), make small circular motions around the entire breast, from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen and from your armpit to the outer side of each breast. Use different levels of pressure to assess different layers of tissue. Repeat on both breasts.
- Perform a similar exam while standing up, ideally in the shower where wet skin makes it easier to move your fingers across your body.
Signs and Symptoms of Early-Stage Breast Cancer
As you perform your breast self-exam, be mindful of any of the following concerning signs and symptoms:
- Changes in breast size or shape
- A lump or mass in the breast or underarm—this will usually be firm and irregular in shape
- Changes to the skin, such as dimpling, puckering or thickening (like an orange peel)
- Redness, scaling or irritation
- Changes to the nipple, such as the nipple turning inward (inversion), pain or sensitivity or discharge that is clear, bloody or occurs when you squeeze your breast
- Persistent pain or tenderness
- Swelling in a portion of the breast
Performing a breast self-exam every month is a critical part of early breast cancer detection. Put a small chart in your bathroom to help you remember, or pick a time of the month—not while you’re on your period as hormonal shifts can cause breast swelling, fullness and tenderness—that’s easy for you to remember.
Are there certain symptoms that are more common than others when breast cancer is detected early?
There are some signs and symptoms of early-stage breast cancer that are more commonly reported than others.
However, it’s important to note that many early cancers demonstrate no symptoms at all, making early screening and detection critical.
According to Heather, the most commonly detected early symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Changes in breast tissue
- A lump or bump
- Breast asymmetry
- Pain
- Nipple retraction
- Skin changes
- Heat to the touch of the skin
- Dimpling of the skin
When to Get a Mammogram—Recommended Ages
When it comes to early breast cancer detection and overall breast health, all women should start talking to their healthcare provider about scheduling a mammogram at least by the age of 40.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, make sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider by age 30. “Most women at high risk should be screening with an MRI and mammograms starting at 30 if there is a strong family history of breast cancer involved,” Heather encourages.
The American Cancer Society puts forth the following guidelines when it comes to getting your mammogram:
- Ages 40–44: Option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
- Ages 45–54: Get a mammogram every year.
- Ages 55 and older: So long as women in this category are not high-risk, they can switch to getting a mammogram every other year, or choose to continue yearly mammograms.
Aspen Valley Health aligns with this approach, noting, “Annual screening mammography is recommended for women starting at age 40. Some women with elevated risk of breast cancer may benefit from screening earlier to detect abnormalities.
With elevated risk and breast density, some women may benefit from supplemental screening with screening breast ultrasound and screening MRI.”
Considerations for Establishing a Screening Schedule
When discussing with your doctor the best ways to detect breast cancer early, it’s important to understand the factors that affect how frequently you should be getting screened.
General guidelines are important, but personal factors also play a key role. Make sure to consider the following:
- Your personal risk level, including family history and whether or not you’re known to carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
- Your age
- Breast density – women with dense breast tissue might want to consider more frequent screenings or the addition of an MRI
- Current health status and lifestyle
Early Detection is Key—Schedule Your Complimentary Mammogram
Talking with your primary care provider is the first step in establishing a breast cancer screening schedule that’s appropriate for you. The Aspen Valley Health Breast Center offers a comfortable, welcoming place to talk with friendly mammography technologists, get your breast cancer screening and learn more about maintaining breast health and the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
AVH believes in the health and wellbeing of our community and works to contribute to our patients’ pursuit of personal wellness. We’re happy to offer women in their 40th year a mammogram at no charge.
Your breast health is in your hands. Talk with family members about relevant family history. If you do have evident family history of breast cancer, discuss your options with your physician, including genetic testing to determine if you’re a carrier for breast cancer genes.
Make sure to do your monthly self-exams and make a regular breast health check part of your wellness routine. Taking these easy but important early steps can help substantially reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
For more guidance on your Healthy Journey, let us know what interests you!
