Early detection is the single-most important tool for curing breast cancer. Many women can overcome this disease if the cancer is discovered in the early stages. Early detection saves lives! Every woman must get checked.
One in every nine woman in Israel will develop the disease sometime in her lifetime. More than 3000 women are diagnosed annually in Israel, and some 700 women die from breast cancer every year. The understanding of the genetics of the disease may also play a role in the epidemiological aspects of breast cancer. The diversity of the cultural backgrounds of women in Israel shows that the disease is more prominent among women from Western countries than among those with an Eastern background. Changes in the attitude towards breast cancer treatment throughout North America and Europe are now being integrated into the Israeli health care system. Breast cancer treatment in Israel is becoming more tailored to the needs of the individual woman, and a multidisciplinary comprehensive approach is what women ask and expect from their health providers.
Ages 20 – 25: monthly self-examination
Doctor examination every 6 months
Mammograms
What is a mammogram and why should I get one?
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. The mammogram can detect breast cancer even if it is too small for detection during self-exams or exams done by the doctor. Many studies have found that mammography exams done every year for women over 40 can save lives.
The older we get, the higher the risk for breast cancer. Breast cancer can appear at any time and one mammography is not enough. You should be getting yearly mammography tests done.
How does it work?
The mammography is quick and simple. It is conducted while you are standing right next to the machine. The technician places your breast between two plates. These plates squeeze the breast and flatten it as much as possible. It is uncomfortable, but necessary in order to get the clearest picture possible. Each breast image is done separately.
Women who are in their fertile years and are still menstruating are recommended to perform their mammography 10-14 days prior to the beginning of their menstrual cycle. Menopausal women can get a mammography any day of the month.
Does the mammography reveal cancer or do I have to get other tests done?
In a few cases, a mammography will not reveal a cancerous growth. Therefore it is important for each woman to conduct their own self-examination. Ultrasounds are also conducted, and are considered complementary to mammograms.
Important!
If you find a lump during self-examination, but a mammogram does not reveal cancer – it is important to figure out what the lump is – conduct an MRI or an ultrasound.
Who is considered high-risk for breast cancer?
Women are considered high-risk if they have family history of breast cancer. This is especially true if the breast cancer occurred at an early age, before the age of 50, or it appeared in both breasts, or was accompanied by ovarian cancer. Some women have been found to have a genetic predisposition for breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
In 90% of cases, the first sign of breast cancer is a lump on the breast. There are other symptoms to look out for:
Signs on the Nipple
Signs on the Arm
Hadassah's Breast Cancer Treatment Center was established with the aim of providing multidisciplinary comprehensive care for women with breast cancer. Women are offered diagnostic procedures, a plan for cancer treatment in Israel, as well as follow-up services for their various breast conditions. The cancer treatment center integrates the expertise of radiation and medical oncologists, breast surgeons, and specialists in radiology, pathology, social work, nursing and psychology.
The Hadassah Breast Care Center will offer women a single point of access into the health system.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
The day-to-day coordination of the Breast Care Center will be managed by a trained and dedicated Breast Care Clinical Nurse Specialist. Her role is to follow women with breast problems and help them navigate the system by coordinating all aspects of their treatment and care. She will continue to be their main contact throughout management and follow-up. Moreover, the Clinical Nurse Specialist will provide women with information and help them to make decisions regarding their care. She will also provide emotional and psychological support and refer women to other sources of support when needed.
Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Treatment Program
The Hadassah Breast Care Center offers women diagnosed with breast cancer a Multidisciplinary Breast Care Program. In a single outpatient visit, women will meet individually with the physicians and nurses in their provider team, which is comprised of a breast surgeon, medical oncologist and a nurse specialist. During the session, the provider team will meet to discuss each patient's case and develop a recommended treatment plan. A breast imaging specialist and pathologist will be also in attendance to consult on mammograms and pathology slides.
Cancer Risk Evaluation Program
The Cancer Risk Evaluation Program is developed for women concerned about having an increased risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer. Women have the opportunity to meet with a medical oncologist and genetic counselor.
Information and Learning Center
The Breast Cancer Treatment Center patients will be referred to the Information Center to learn more about their health and their particular breast cancer treatment in Israel. The Information Center is free. Patients, visitors and members of the community can access an extensive collection of books, periodicals, videos, and computer software on a variety of women's health issues, breast problems in particular.
Patient to Patient - the Reach for Recovery Program
The Reach for Recovery Program will provide a free support program for women with breast cancer. Staffed by volunteers, who have all experienced breast cancer, this program offers additional avenue of support and insight.