HEALTH REPORT: Myths and misconceptions about mammograms



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FAIRBANKS, Alaska – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In this week's Health Report, Julie Swisher examined some myths and misconceptions generated by screening.

With respect to breast cancer, there are several myths. Dr. Katherine Lee is a breast cancer specialist at Cleveland Clinic. She says that many women experience a false sense of security when a mammogram or ultrasound returns to normal.

"Even if you had a recent mammogram, let's say two or three months ago, everything is fine, but if you notice a change in your breast tissue, you feel a lump, if you have a nipple discharge or if you notice skin changes like a rash or maybe your nipple is turning inwards, we call it nipple inversion, if that is the case, you should come in and have it evaluated, "said Dr. Lee.

Another common misconception lies in the treatment of breast cancer. Many women view treatment as a unique solution. And Dr. Lee says it could not be further from the truth. According to her, the most effective treatment for breast cancer is a personalized therapeutic approach.

"Ten or twenty years ago, we always looked after women, they had breast cancer, they were virtually treated the same way by surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of all three." But now we have noticed that it exists Basically, there are four different types of breast cancer.We have to find the characteristics of this type of tumor, then we adapt the treatment according to the type of tumor, "she said.

Dr. Lee also said that breast cancer, when detected early, can be treated and survives very easily. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

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