Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Thai women and is continuously increasing. Therefore, it’s not surprising that breast examinations are important and should not be neglected. Early detection and treatment increase the chances of survival.
Data from the National Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health indicate that breast cancer is the most common cancer among Thai women. On average, there are 49 new cases per day, and 13 women die from breast cancer daily.
Who should be screened for breast cancer… even without symptoms
Everyone has a chance of developing breast cancer, varying by degree. Women have a higher risk of breast cancer than men, so screening with mammography is recommended for women starting at age 40 and should be done annually, even if there are no symptoms.
For Thai individuals whose breast tissue is denser than that of Europeans and Americans, white cancerous masses in mammograms might be obscured by the equally white breast tissue. Therefore, it’s advisable to perform an ultrasound alongside mammography to enhance accuracy in detecting early-stage cancer.
However, some women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Medical experts recommend these individuals start early screening with appropriate methods as follows:
Breast cancer screening before symptoms appear
- General population
- Undergo annual mammography and, if breast tissue is dense, a combined ultrasound is recommended starting at age 40.
- Those at higher than normal risk
- Annual mammography starting at age 30 and similarly combined with ultrasound if breast tissue is dense.
- Begin annual breast MRI screening at age 25. If unavailable, consider mammograms with contrast or breast ultrasound as alternatives.
Breast cancer screening varies based on individual risk and should follow the advice of medical professionals
How do we know if we’re at high risk?
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), an internationally recognized cancer network, recommends assessing breast cancer risk from age 25. There are numerous medical programs and assessments with the Gail Model being widely used to predict breast cancer risk over the next 5 years and until age 90. These assessments take personal and family history into account to provide more understandable calculations.
Additionally, there are other factors that increase breast cancer risk, summarized as follows:
Who is at a high risk of breast cancer?
- Individuals with a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or related cancers like BRCA Gene Mutation
- Those who had certain breast tissue abnormalities identified through biopsy or surgery
- Those who received chest radiation therapy between ages 10 – 30
- Individuals at a lifetime breast cancer risk of more than 20%
- Those with a 5-year invasive breast cancer risk higher than average, calculated by the Gail Model
Knowing your breast cancer risk helps with proper and timely surveillance
Can men or gender diverse groups develop breast cancer?
Everyone can develop breast cancer. Men account for about 1 in 100 breast cancer cases. They should regularly check for abnormalities or changes in their breasts. Routine screenings without symptoms are not recommended, but if abnormalities are noticed, they should see a doctor immediately.
Transgender individuals also have the potential for breast cancer based on their medical history. Consulting with a doctor on if and when to screen is advised.
Early treatment increases survival chances
Breast cancer treatment is most effective when diagnosed before symptoms appear. Early-stage cancer treatment can achieve a cure rate of up to 95%. Hence, regular mammogram screenings are recommended even in the absence of symptoms because everyone has the chance of developing breast cancer.
Bangkok Sanamchan Hospital Health Screening Center
Phone: 034-219600 ext. 6200 – 6202
Line: Bangkoksanamchan
FB: Bangkok Hospital Sanamchan
