Malta Breast Screening Programme

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Malta Breast Screening Programme

– Reported, June 12, 2013

Many women enquiring about a family history of breast cancer will not have a significant history. There is also a public and professional misunderstanding of the likely impact of recent advances in the genetics of breast cancer and an unreasonable expectation that they will become readily available. The majority of breast cancers are not genetic and the importance of genetic factors has been over emphasised. There is also an assumption that identification of breast cancer gene mutations in an individual will result in a reduction in mortality. This is unproven.

The high risk group is defined as:

Breast/ovarian families with four or more relatives on the same side of the family affected, at any age.

Breast cancer (only) families with three affected relatives with an average age at diagnosis of < age 40 years.

Breast/ovarian families with three affected relatives with an average age at diagnosis of breast cancer < age 60 years.

Families with one member with both breast and ovarian cancer.

These patients should be referred to a specialist cancer genetic consultation at a regional genetic centre. Gene testing may be appropriate for some of these patients.

The moderate risk group is defined as:

• One first degree relative with breast cancer diagnosed under the age of 40.

• Two first or second degree relatives with breast cancer diagnosed under the age of 60, or ovarian cancer at any age.

• Three first or second degree relatives with breast cancer or ovarian cancer diagnosed at any age.

• A first degree relative with bilateral cancer under the age of 60.

• A first degree male relative with brest cancer at any age.

• The relative risk of breast cancer for women in this group is at least three times that of the general population.

Ultrasound is a diagnostic technique that involves the use of high frequency sound waves from a probe, which is passed over the body. The structures within the body bounce these waves back to the probe and the resulting signals are converted into images on a screen from which pictures can be taken and interpreted, and a diagnosis made. The benefit of ultrasound scanning is that it is useful in distinguishing more solid lesions form cysts, and so aids diagnosis.

Mammography is an X-ray procedure used to examine the breast. It is most useful to investigate breast problems and to detect small changes within the breast tissue. The benefit of having mammography is that it is simple and safe, as only low dose X-rays are used, and it aids the doctor to make a diagnosis.

A fibroadenoma is a benign breast lump (non-cancerous) caused by an increased growth of the fibrous and glandular tissue within the breast. They are sometimes known as ‘breast mice,’ as they move around easily under the skin, unlike breast cancer which is usually fixed. Fibroadenoma can vary in size and are usually smooth edged, and can be found anywhere in the breast. Fibroadenoma are common between the ages of 16-35, though they can occur in women older than this.

• The breast awareness 5-point code

• Know what is normal for you.

• Know what changes to look and feel for.

• Look and feel.

• Report any changes to your GP without delay.

• Attend routine breast screening if you are aged 50 or over.

CREDITS.

http://maltabreastscreening.info/             

 

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