Written By Rakesh Mohanty
Bhubaneswar: October 17:
Today is Mammography Day. National Mammography Day occurs annually on the third Friday in October, coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The observance emphasises the critical role of regular mammograms in early breast cancer detection and improved survival rates.
National Mammography Day 2025 encourages us to prioritise regular mammograms and supports the proactive approach to breast health. This is an opportunity to promote breast health awareness, highlight the benefits of mammograms, and share information on preventive care strategies.
Mammography employs low-energy X-rays to examine breast tissue and can identify cancer before the onset of symptoms. Early detection facilitates more effective treatment, which improves survival outcomes. According to the National Library of Medicine, women who undergo mammography screening experience a 41% reduction in the risk of breast cancer mortality within ten years. This statistic underscores the substantial impact of regular screenings on survival rates.
Research indicates that women with a family history of breast cancer or specific genetic mutations are at increased risk and derive greater benefit from regular mammograms. Adherence to screening guidelines is particularly crucial for these individuals.
Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours. If unchecked, these tumours can spread throughout the body and become fatal.
Breast cancer cells begin inside the milk ducts or the milk-producing lobules of the breast. The earliest form (in situ) is not life-threatening and can be detected early. As a tumour grows, cancer cells can spread to surrounding tissues by pushing on nearby normal tissue. They also produce enzymes that break down these tissues. Invasive cancer can reach nearby lymph nodes or other organs (metastasise), and metastasis can be life-threatening and fatal.
Most people do not experience symptoms in the early stages of breast cancer, which highlights the importance of early detection. As the disease advances, symptoms may include a breast lump or thickening (often painless), changes in breast size, shape, or appearance, skin dimpling, redness, pitting, or changes in the nipple or areola. Anyone who notices an abnormal breast lump should seek medical care, even if it is not painful. While most breast lumps are not cancerous, those that are can be treated more effectively when detected early and before spreading to lymph nodes. Breast cancer may spread to other parts of the body, most commonly to the lymph nodes under the arm, which may not always be detectable by touch. Over time, cancerous cells can reach organs such as the lungs, liver, brain, and bones, leading to additional symptoms like bone pain or headaches.
When women and their families learn about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and understand why early detection and treatment matter, more women are likely to see a doctor as soon as they notice something unusual. This means they can get checked, diagnosed, and referred for treatment before the cancer becomes advanced. Even in places where mammogram screening is not available, this approach can still make a big difference.
According to a WHO report, certain factors like increasing age, obesity, harmful use of alcohol, family history of breast cancer, history of radiation exposure, reproductive history (such as age at which menstrual periods began and age at first pregnancy), tobacco use, and post-menopausal hormone therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer. Approximately half of breast cancer cases develop in women with no identifiable risk factors. The report also notes that while family history increases the risk, most diagnosed women do not have a known family history of the disease.
Despite technological advances and new treatment options, breast cancer remains highly fatal. In 2022, there were approximately 2.3 million new cases and 666,000 deaths worldwide, accounting for 23.8% of all cancer cases and 15.4% of cancer-related deaths among women.
Addressing this challenge requires urgent action to integrate prevention, early detection, and quality treatment through cross-sector collaboration.
Greater focus on education and early detection, such as mammography, can significantly reduce mortality. In many developed countries, increased awareness and education have already contributed to lower breast cancer rates.
We are observing ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025’ to educate the public on preventive measures like regular screening, which can reduce breast cancer mortality. However, it is unclear how effective these efforts have been in encouraging women to undergo regular screening. Assessing the impact of our awareness initiatives is essential so that policy can be adapted to reduce breast cancer cases more effectively.
