Breast Cancer Awareness: Care Gaps, Life After Diagnosis & New Treatments

Since 1985, every October, people around the world pin on pink ribbons to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With 1 in 8 women having an overall likelihood of developing breast cancer in their lifetime, nearly all of us is personally affected by the disease. 

Breast cancer awareness—combined with continuing advances in screening and treatment—has led to a 58% reduction in mortality rate over the last sixty years. With over 2.3 million new cases worldwide in 2022, every life saved is a celebration, yet there is more work to be done. Much more. 

Innovations in screening: The sooner, the better  

Mammography, using x-rays to detect lesions before they can be palpated, is the current diagnostic method for breast cancer. Most women receive 2D digital mammography, where two x-rays are taken, one each from the top and the side. A radiologist reviews all images and is able to view and magnify any areas of concern; images are stored to compare to future mammograms. 

Technology is always searching for more specific methods to identify abnormalities at the earliest possibles stages. For women with dense breast tissue or with high-risk factors, providers have several options: 

• Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) or 3D mammography is becoming more available across the country. DBT allows for images to be taken from different angles, then recreated to as a 3D reproduction of a breast. Although more expensive than 2D images, it allows for more accurate views. It also means fewer “callbacks” to obtain more images. 

• Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) and Contrast MRI both use 

 a contrast dye that is injected into the bloodstream before starting the screening. The dye allows radiologists to see any suspicious blood flow to tumors. CEM is not considered a routine screening tool but rather for evaluating dense breast tissue; screening high-risk patients; in place of a mammogram when there is noticeable lump, skin dimpling, or nipple discharge; and when patients are unable to have an MRI. 

Ultrasound Elastography is based on the theory that malignant tumors are stiffer than benign ones.  Using ultrasound wave scan generate waves that expose deformation or suspicious displacement. 

Physical health: AI is probably already at work 

If you wear a smartwatch or use a smartphone, right now AI is counting your steps, measuring your heart rate, or evaluating your movement. While you sleep, it’s checking the quality of your rest. 

Wearable technology and medical devices have merged, allowing for accurate and unique data that can change your life. Here are some ways AI can boost physical wellness: 

• Wearables encourage more activity by tracking distance, calories, and energy levels. 

• Fitness apps analyze your workout and make adjustments based on your progress. 

• Nutrition programs assess dietary habits and suggest changes to meet your weight and health goals. 

• Heart monitors detect undiagnosed rhythms before a serious cardiac event occurs. 

• Sensors provide continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels, avoiding dangerous high or low blood sugar emergencies. 

• Apps track details about migraine headaches, such as menstrual cycles, symptoms, triggers, and barometric changes. They can predict migraine episodes and their duration. 

Innovations in treatment: More specific for better outcomes 

Researchers have been encouraged by breakthroughs in targeted therapies to deliver precise treatments that minimize unnecessary tissue destruction or complications. The use of AI to detect patterns and predict risk help providers maintain safe therapy margins without harming or overtreating patients. Other developments include: 

• Drugs receiving FDA Fast-Track approval, such as vepdegestrant that can destroy estrogen receptors and slow progression of metastasis 

• Immunotherapy trains the patient’s own immune system to identify and destroy “foreign” cancer cells. 

• Improved methods to create realistic tattoos. For women who have nipple and aureola removed. Multicolored ink techniques can simulate a 3D effect to make reconstruction look and feel natural. 

Breast cancer care disparities 

Despite being the most common malignancy that affects every race and ethnic group, detection and treatment of breast cancer remain sadly unequal at every stage: 

• Non-Hispanic White women are the most likely to be diagnosed than any other racial group. 

• Black women are 42% more likely to die at every age—even among other patients with similar stages and tumor subtypes. 

• Although Hispanic women have a lower incidence of breast cancer, their disease is often diagnosed at a later stage, leading to worse outcomes. 

• Disparities are often affected by patients’ by socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, mistrust of the medical system, and inadequate patient-provider communication. 

• Promising clinical trials are frequently limited to patients with the ability to  be recruited by major pharmaceutical companies, travel to researcher trial sites with funding that will support minority and diverse patient demographics, in contrast to “mainstream” clinical trials held at major urban sites. 

Living well after breast cancer diagnosis 

Thankfully, breast cancer is treatable and curable. Following treatment, you can return to a routine and lifestyle that allows you, your family, and friends to look forward making memories for years to come.  

1. Prioritize YOU! Do all the things you would tell someone else to do. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals; get plenty of exercise and sleep; enjoy time with family and friends. 

2. Be patient with yourself. Breast cancer treatment is rigorous, with side effects that can be both short- and long-acting. Be familiar with your therapies and what to expect, so you know how to prepare. 

3. Find and use your support groups. Don’t be shy about asking for help. Spend time with the people who are important to you. Don’t feel you should be independent when your treatment is done. Continue with your breast cancer survivors’ group. 

4. Keep up with all appointments and learn how to detect signs of recurrence, such as a new lump. 

Sources 

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