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Published on: Sep 22, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

How Effective Is Breast Cancer Screening?

Mammograms are a type of screening where images of the breast tissue are taken. Mammograms detect breast cancer cells in mammary glands, as well as identify growths and tumors that might not be found at a physical exam. A mammogram is basically a high-quality picture that takes different views from all angles to show anything off from tissues to cysts or clots hidden within the breasts.

The overwhelming majority of women with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors and their tumors were detected by screening mammography. But about 85% of the time, a mammographic abnormality found through routine screening is benign and will never cause a woman any harm during her lifetime. The potential to save lives from breast cancer overshadows this downside, but it brings up questions about whether we're just creating an environment where lots of people must endure unnecessary follow-up tests that come back negative for the disease.

Breast cancer screening is very effective if done on a regular basis. It's often called the "mammogram." The bigger picture is this- mammograms may reduce mortality rates by about 20%. This means for every 1,000 women who are screened annually for breast cancer without mammography, 10 women may avoid death due to breast cancer specifically. With mammography alone, there are likely six saved lives for each 1,000. Screening mammography has been shown to reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by 27%.

The reduction in mortality is small and only applies to women who go for screening. Women who do not go for screening have a similar mortality rate as women in control groups.

For every 2000 women screened, one life is saved; however, at this same time, 10 healthy women will be told they have breast cancer when they do not (false positives) and 16 will be falsely reassured (false negatives). It's important to remember that many lives lost because of breast cancer would most likely occur even if resources were directed elsewhere. For example, 40% of cases are attributable to weight gain, smoking or lack of exercise.

One study found that mammograms reduced breast cancer mortality rates by about 25%. For facilities providing mammograms, this is a strong return on investment. For facilities providing other types of breast health services (i.e., breastfeeding support), no randomized controlled trial has been done to date which can provide sufficient evidence for its effectiveness in reducing the incidence of breast cancer among at-risk women or reducing mortality rates associated with breast cancer if diagnosed.

Mammography's benefit does not come from any effect on breast cancer cells themselves, but rather it comes from the detection of breast tissue changes through comparisons between images taken at different times. It is not radiation-based and doesn't use ionizing radiation - so it has no harm associated with imaging techniques that use ionizing radiation, such as CT scans. Mammograms are painless and low risk to patient health.

What Screening Means:

-It's a screening when mammograms and breast physicals find small abnormalities in the breasts that we can't feel by touching/ looking. The study and observation of these abnormalities are called a "screening," and may lead to further diagnostic tests, such as biopsies or mammograms, depending on what else is found during the examination.

No matter how often you have it done, there are no guarantees--it's possible for these screenings to miss tumors/disease if they are small enough or scattered under enough fatty tissue... but screening finds many more abnormalities than would occur without screening.

The two screening methods used to detect cancer at an early stage when it can be most effectively treated are breast self-exam and mammography.

Screening saves lives by picking up cancer before they become life-threatening and putting patients in the early stage of treatment when they have the best prognosis. It also identifies people who may need further evaluation or follow-up care to look for other types of cancerous cells that are not detectable during the current screening test. Mammographic breast cancer screen is revolutionary because it does so much more than just looking for tumors. Screening programs have dramatically reduced incidence rates of advanced disease, improved diagnosis, led to earlier detection, improved survival rates, and improved quality of life."

There are two commonly used types of breast cancer screening. One is mammography, which uses X-rays to examine the breasts in detail. The other is breast ultrasound screening. Results from either type can lead to a biopsy that will be analyzed to determine whether there may be cancerous activity present in the breast tissue (see below for more information on these tests). It's currently unclear what proportion of cancers detected by screening would go undetected without mammography and ultrasound screenings.

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early signs of hormonal imbalance

Hormones act as chemical messengers that regulate nearly every function in the body, from metabolism and mood to sleep, growth and reproduction. When hormone levels fall out of balance, the effects can be widespread and often confusing. Understanding the early signs of hormonal imbalance is essential because these changes are frequently subtle and mistaken for stress, ageing or lifestyle fatigue.

According to endocrine and public health studies, many adults live with undiagnosed hormonal imbalances for years, allowing symptoms to worsen and increase the risk of chronic health conditions.

What Is Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormonal imbalance occurs when:

hormone production is too high or too low
hormone release timing is disrupted
feedback mechanisms fail

Even small imbalances can cause noticeable symptoms because hormones influence multiple organ systems simultaneously.

Why Hormonal Imbalances Are Increasing

Modern lifestyles contribute significantly to hormonal disruption.

Key factors include:

chronic stress
poor sleep
sedentary behaviour
processed diets
environmental toxins
ageing and metabolic changes

These factors strain the endocrine system over time.

Common Early Signs of Hormonal Imbalance

Persistent Fatigue

Unexplained, ongoing tiredness is one of the earliest signs.

Hormonal causes include:

thyroid dysfunction
cortisol imbalance
insulin resistance

Fatigue that does not improve with rest requires evaluation.

Unexplained Weight Changes

Sudden weight gain or loss without dietary changes may signal:

thyroid hormone imbalance
insulin resistance
cortisol dysregulation

Hormonal weight changes often occur around the abdomen.

Mood Swings and Emotional Changes

Hormones directly influence brain chemistry.

Early emotional signs include:

irritability
anxiety
low mood
poor stress tolerance

These symptoms are often misattributed to mental health alone.

Sleep Disturbances

Hormones regulate circadian rhythm.

Imbalances may cause:

difficulty falling asleep
frequent waking
non-restorative sleep

Poor sleep further worsens hormonal disruption.

Changes in Appetite and Cravings

Hormonal shifts affect hunger signals.

People may experience:

intense sugar cravings
irregular appetite
overeating despite fullness

These changes are linked to insulin and cortisol imbalance.

Skin, Hair and Nail Changes

Early physical signs include:

acne in adulthood
hair thinning or hair fall
dry skin
brittle nails

These often reflect thyroid, androgen or estrogen imbalance.

Menstrual or Reproductive Changes

In women, early signs include:

irregular periods
heavy or painful menstruation
missed cycles

In men, symptoms may include:

reduced libido
fatigue
mood changes

Reproductive symptoms are key indicators of hormonal health.

Hormonal Imbalance and Metabolic Health

Hormonal disruption affects:

blood sugar regulation
fat metabolism
cholesterol balance

Left untreated, this increases the risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

Why Early Symptoms Are Often Ignored

Hormonal imbalance is frequently overlooked because:

symptoms develop gradually
signs are non-specific
people self-manage with lifestyle changes alone

Unfortunately, delay allows progression.

Conditions Commonly Linked to Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances may underlie:

thyroid disorders
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
insulin resistance
adrenal fatigue patterns
menopause-related changes

Early detection simplifies management.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Identifying hormonal imbalance early:

prevents complications
reduces medication dependence
improves quality of life
supports metabolic and mental health

Early intervention is more effective and less invasive.

How Hormonal Imbalance Is Evaluated

Evaluation may include:

symptom assessment
blood hormone testing
metabolic screening
lifestyle analysis

Testing is guided by symptoms and clinical findings.

Lifestyle Measures That Support Hormonal Balance

Stress Management

Reducing stress normalises cortisol and improves overall hormone regulation.

Sleep Hygiene

Consistent sleep schedules support endocrine rhythm.

Balanced Nutrition

Adequate protein, fibre and micronutrients support hormone production.

Physical Activity

Regular movement improves insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if:

symptoms persist beyond weeks
multiple symptoms occur together
quality of life declines
weight, mood or sleep changes worsen

Early evaluation prevents long-term damage.

Long-Term Risks of Untreated Hormonal Imbalance

Ignoring symptoms may lead to:

infertility
metabolic syndrome
osteoporosis
chronic fatigue
mental health disorders

Early care significantly reduces these risks.

Conclusion

Early signs of hormonal imbalance often appear subtle but reflect deeper endocrine disruption. Persistent fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, sleep problems and skin changes are not just lifestyle issues—they are signals the body should not ignore. Recognising these early signs and seeking timely medical evaluation allows for effective management, prevents chronic disease and restores long-term health balance. Hormonal health is foundational to wellbeing, and early action makes all the difference.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Endocrine and Metabolic Health Report
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Hormones and Metabolism Research
World Health Organization (WHO) – Endocrine System and Hormonal Health Guideline
Lancet – Hormonal Imbalance and Chronic Disease Studies
Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism – Hormone Disorder Research
Statista – Hormonal Health and Lifestyle Trends India

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