Why Breast Cancer Early Detection is Crucial in Saving Lives

Breast cancer remains a significant health concern but advancements in medical science and a greater understanding of the disease – not to mention greater awareness and an increased focus on early screening efforts – are making a difference, breast cancer specialists at Baptist Health Cancer Care say.

Approximately 1 in 8 women (13%) in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime, according to BreastCancer.org. In 2025, an estimated 316,950 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer; another 59,080 women will be diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive form of the disease.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that breast cancer will cause 42,170 deaths in 2025. Although deaths from breast cancer are declining – largely due to advancements in treatment, early detection and awareness campaigns – it is still the second leading cause of cancer death among women.

As with most cancers, breast cancer, when caught early, is a highly survivable disease. The best survival rates are associated with small tumors that are detected early before they have spread beyond the breast to the lymph nodes, which is why early detection is so important.

The Importance of Breast Self-Awareness

Knowing what is normal for your body is a fundamental aspect of health maintenance, says Lauren Carcas, M.D., a medical oncologist with Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute in Plantation. While formal guidelines on breast self-exams have evolved, she says the principle of “breast self-awareness” remains a vital tool for early detection.

“Breast self-awareness is vitally important. Women should know their breasts and seek evaluation for any new lumps, skin dimpling, nipple retraction, spontaneous bloody discharge or skin changes immediately,” Dr. Carcas advises.

Familiarity with one’s body can prompt necessary medical evaluation when changes occur, she adds. “Any deviation from your personal baseline—whether it involves pain, a mass, nipple discharge or redness—should be reported to a doctor without delay.”

What to Look For

Starr Mautner, M.D., a breast surgical oncologist with Miami Cancer Institute, provides a specific method for visual self-inspection. “I instruct patients to look in the mirror before getting in the shower and raise their hands over their head and then place their hands on their hips and look side to side for any subtle dimpling of the skin or pulling of the nipple.” While a slight size difference between breasts is often normal, any new change in shape, size or skin texture requires immediate attention, Dr. Mautner advises.

Michael Zeidman, M.D., a breast surgical oncologist at the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, adds that the examination should include the underarm area. “Your self-exam should also include palpating (feeling the tissue of) the lymph nodes under the armpit.” Any swelling or lump in this area should be looked at, he says.

A Recommended Monthly Routine

For a consistent approach, all three physicians recommend a monthly self-examination, which helps patients become familiar with their breast tissue and detect any changes from one month to the next. Dr. Mautner suggests an easy reminder to perform your self-exam at the start of each month: “Feel it on the First.”

For those who menstruate, the ideal time for a self-exam is a few days after the end of your period, as hormonal fluctuations can cause tenderness and lumpiness just before. Dr. Zeidman suggests performing the palpation in a circular pattern, starting near the nipple and moving outward. This should be done both while sitting or standing and while lying down for a thorough examination.

Mammography: The Gold Standard for Screening

While self-awareness is crucial, it’s no substitute for professional medical screening, says Dr. Carcas, and mammograms remain the most effective tool for the early detection of breast cancer. “Routine mammograms lead to an earlier diagnosis of breast cancer compared to self-detection, as mammograms are able to detect smaller-size and earlier stage tumors,” she says.

Dr. Zeidman reinforces this and addresses a dangerous misconception: “The most common and deadly misconception is that self-breast exams are a replacement for mammograms,” he says. “Mammograms will usually detect cancers before they are noticeable enough to be detected on physical exam.”

Screening tools are not always perfect, however, and Dr. Mautner recommends that women complement their mammograms with monthly self-examinations. “Never ignore a new palpable breast finding – even if you’ve had a normal mammogram,” she cautions. “Mammograms are an excellent screening tool but they’re not perfect. It’s possible to develop a breast cancer that may not be detected on a mammogram but is then felt on exam.”

Navigating Special Circumstances: Dense Breasts and Implants

Some individuals may believe that factors like dense breast tissue or breast implants make self-exams difficult or unnecessary. Not true, says Dr. Mautner. “Your routine should not change. Dense breast tissue refers to the way the breast tissue appears on mammogram. It does not impact how you perform a self-exam,” she explains.

“As a supplement to a screening mammogram for dense tissue, we recommend either a breast ultrasound or a high-risk breast cancer screening MRI for those at more elevated risk,” Dr. Mautner continues, adding that a contrast enhanced mammogram is also an option.

Dr. Carcas agrees, noting that while dense tissue can make exams less sensitive, the focus remains on knowing your personal baseline. “If your breasts are dense and nodular, that would serve as a baseline. Any changes from your personal baseline should be reported promptly,” she says. The same principle applies to individuals with implants; regular self-exams are still recommended, she says.

Modifiable Lifestyle Risk Factors

Beyond screening, certain lifestyle choices can actively lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Dr. Carcas identifies four key areas where you can reduce your risk:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight, particularly after menopause, is a modifiable risk factor.

• Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Daily exercise contributes to overall wellness and can reduce cancer risk.

• Limit Alcohol and Avoid Tobacco: Both alcohol consumption and smoking have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

• Follow a Healthy Diet: Dr. Carcas recommends “a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low in processed and red meats.”

Dr. Zeidman points to other factors that can influence your breast cancer risk, such as the use of hormone replacement therapy and the age of a first pregnancy. “It’s important to discuss your complete health history and any family history of cancer with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized risk assessment,” he says.

When to Contact Your Doctor

The message from all three physicians is unanimous and clear: contact your doctor immediately after noticing any change.

“Any new palpable finding or a new asymmetry seen on self-exam should be worked up by a physician,” says Dr. Mautner. The first step is typically to see your primary care physician or gynecologist, who can perform a clinical exam and order the appropriate imaging.

It’s important to remember that not all lumps are cancerous. As Dr. Zeidman notes, “There are many causes for a new breast mass, many of which are benign. However, any new and persistent mass requires professional investigation to rule out malignancy,” he says.

Comprehensive Support at Baptist Health

Should an issue be detected, Baptist Health provides a comprehensive network of resources and support systems. If a diagnosis is made, multidisciplinary teams at Baptist Health Cancer Care provide integrated care and patients are guided through every step of their journey.

As Dr. Carcas describes, breast cancer care teams include “physicians, nurses, social workers, navigators, nutritionist, physical therapist and occupational therapist, massage therapist and psychiatric support...all available under one roof.”

This integrated approach ensures that patients receive not only state-of-the-art medical treatment but also the psychosocial, nutritional and rehabilitative support necessary for their entire journey, Dr. Carcas says.

She reminds her patients that awareness is more than just knowing about breast cancer. “It’s about taking proactive steps to safeguard your health. That involves understanding your risk factors, adopting preventive lifestyle habits, staying informed and knowing how and when to screen for the disease.”

VisitBaptistHealth.net/Mammoto learn more or schedule your breast cancer screening this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Lauren Carcas, M.D., medical oncologist with Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute in Plantation

Starr Mautner, M.D., breast surgical oncologist with Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute

Michael Zeidman, M.D., breast surgical oncologist at the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital