FDA Reports Progress in Breast Cancer Care, Screenings

Posted by ChoiceCancer on November 17th, 2014

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration marked October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month by highlighting a number of advancements that have been made in recent years in both the detection of and treatment for breast cancer. While a cure has yet to be found, the agency marked the month by speaking to the wins that have been enjoyed as the battle continues.

Of particular interest to those at risk for developing this potentially fatal disease was the approval of a device that is now able to generate 2-dimensional mammograms using data drawn from 3-dimensional X-rays. The end result is a low-dose X-ray that’s able to detect breast abnormalities, including cancer, while limiting the amount of radiation patients are exposed to.

With some 30 million mammograms performed each year in the United States, advances such as this are critical, the FDA says. Mammograms are critical screening tools that enable doctors to diagnose breast cancer quickly should it form.

The FDA also spoke of advances in the care of those who have been diagnosed with the disease. While there are now more than 20 FDA-approved drugs available to treat breast cancer, the agency hopes to see continued advancement that will extend life, help with prevention, and eventually lead to a cure.

While much work is yet to be done before a cure is found, there are things people can do to protect themselves from this disease while also helping ensure that if it does develop detection arrives early. Some of the steps that can be taken include:

• Limiting risk factors, such as smoking
• Performing monthly self-examinations regularly
• Getting active and eating right
• Going in for routine mammogram screenings if they are indicated by a physician
• Reporting any unusual signs or symptoms to your doctor should they arise

An estimated 1 in 8 American women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. An estimated 40,000 women will die from the disease in 2014 alone. Taking steps to prevent the disease and detect it early should it develop are key to survival.

About Author
Choice Cancer Care is an independent, physician-owned cancer center network. Dr. Gregory Echt, a radiation oncologist with over two decades of experience, is the founder of Choice Cancer Care. Choice Cancer Care is among the busiest practices in the country for brachytherapy, or prostate seed implant therapy – a cancer treatment plan for prostate cancer that provides remarkable success rates and fewer life-limiting side effects.