Beyonce's Mother Tina Knowles' Breast Cancer Revelation After Missing Mammogram Sparks Discussion: Decoding Hidden Link

It reminds us of how vital timely health screenings are, especially for women in their 50s and beyond. She stressed the importance of listening to your body and not putting off medical appointments, no matter how busy life gets. Her story has since sparked an important conversation that urges women everywhere to take breast health seriously. To know in detail why should women get mammogram tests for breast cancer and how important it is we got in touch with Dr Vaishali Zamre, Director & Head - Breast Cancer Centre, Andromeda Cancer Hospital, Sonipat, who shared some expert insights on this:

Why Is It Important For Women To Get A Mammogram Test For Breast Cancer Detection?

Evaluation of breasts by X-rays is called mammography. Mammograms are one of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early, often before any symptoms appear. When caught early, the chances of successful treatment are much higher, and the options available are usually less aggressive.

Dr Vaishali Zamre explained, “Low-dose X-rays are used to look for any abnormalities inside the breasts. Mammography is an important part of the “Triple Assessment” for breast cancer. Whenever a lady presents with any breast-related symptom, after a clinical examination of the breasts, mammography is the first investigation of choice for women who are 40 years and above. Breasts are gently compressed between the compression plates to visualise the breasts better. The mammographic appearance of breast abnormalities allows the radiologists to predict the possibility of cancer.”

Is Mammogram A Reliable Way To Detect Breast Cancer?

Mammograms work best for women over 40, as younger women often have denser breasts, making it harder to spot changes. For younger women or those with dense breast tissue, 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) gives clearer results.

Dr Vaishali Zamre shared, “2 D Digital mammography is a highly accurate tool for breast cancer detection having a sensitivity of 97%, a specificity of 64.5%, a positive predictive value of 89%, and a negative predictive value of 90.9%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 89.3%.”

3D mammography helps spot breast problems more clearly than the older 2D method. Doctors use a system called BIRADS to understand the results and plan the next steps. If something unusual shows up, a biopsy is done to confirm the diagnosis.

Age Limit For A Mammogram Test

Mammography is often recommended for women aged 40 and above, both for screening and diagnosis. As women age, their breast tissue becomes less dense and more fatty, which makes it easier to detect any changes through a mammogram.

Don't miss:8 Types of Cancer Spreading in India: Oncologists Share Tips and Advice

Breast Cancer Link With Menopause And Perimenopause

According to Dr Vaishali Zamre, “The risk of cancer increases with age. In perimenopausal and post-menopausal age, for various reasons, women tend to gain weight. The aromatase enzyme present in fat cells converts testosterone into estrogen which increases the risk of breast cancer in this age group. Women between the age group of 50-70 years have the highest risk of breast cancer in India.”

Don't miss:5 Health Screenings For Women Over 35, As Per Expert

How To Detect Breast Cancer At Home?

Breast cancer can't be accurately detected at home, but it's important for every woman to know how to do a breast self-examination. This helps you spot any unusual changes in the shape, size, appearance, lumps, or feel of your breasts. Keep in mind, that a self-exam is useful, it can't replace professional screening. Always seek advice from a healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual.

Dr Vaishali Zamre advises that, “It is important for every woman to consult a breast specialist or any doctor if she notices any change in the breast. The accurate way of diagnosing any breast-related problems is “Triple Assessment” which includes a thorough clinical examination of breasts and armpit lymph nodes, breast imaging, and biopsy if any suspicious abnormality is detected.”

Tina Knowles' story serves as a wake-up call not just for fans, but for all women. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to put ourselves last on the list. But health checks can truly be life-saving.

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.

Image credit: Freepik