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Early detection is the first line of defense against breast cancer

MARIETTA - Some of the most important care for breast cancer happens before symptoms ever appear.

Routine preventive care, including annual wellness visits and recommended breast cancer screenings, gives providers an opportunity to identify concerns earlier, when patients may have more treatment options and experience better outcomes, according to a release from Memorial Health System.

For most women, annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40 are an important part of early detection, the release says. Advances in mammography have made it possible to identify many breast cancers before a lump can be felt or other symptoms develop.

At the same time, breast cancer prevention has become increasingly personalized, with providers looking beyond age alone to consider factors such as personal health history, family history and inherited cancer risk.

For individuals who may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, additional screening, genetic counseling or testing, and other preventive strategies may be recommended based on their individual needs.

Memorial Health System has continued to expand this approach to prevention through its High Risk Breast Program, established in 2025. The program is designed to help patients better understand their individual breast cancer risk and provides personalized recommendations for ongoing surveillance, education and prevention, the release says.

"Early detection remains one of the strongest tools available in the fight against cancer," it says. "By understanding individual risk and completing appropriate screenings, patients and their healthcare providers can identify potential concerns sooner and make informed decisions about next steps."

The release said more information about breast cancer prevention, detection and treatment options at Memorial Health System can be found in the upcoming edition of the system's magazine and online at mhsystem.org.