Breast Cancer Awareness: Why Vigilance Matters Between Mammograms
A recent study shows 30 percent of breast cancers are diagnosed between mammograms. Experts emphasize that early detection requires monitoring body changes regardless of family history.
Breast cancer awareness month highlights the importance of regular screenings, but health experts emphasize that vigilance should not stop between mammograms. A major 2025 study published in JAMA Oncology, involving over half a million women in Sweden, found that approximately 30 percent of breast cancer cases discovered within screening programs were diagnosed precisely between scheduled mammogram appointments. While mammography remains a crucial tool for early detection, medical professionals stress that any new changes in the breast should be checked immediately, regardless of a recent clear scan.
Another common misconception is that the absence of a family history of the disease provides a safeguard. According to the World Health Organization, roughly 80 percent of breast cancer cases occur in women with no specific risk factors other than being female and aging. While family history is vital information to share with a physician, its absence does not mean women can skip screenings or ignore physical changes.
In Israel, women aged 50 to 74 at average risk are advised to undergo a mammogram every two years under the national health basket, while women at elevated risk receive tailored recommendations based on individual factors. Dr. Valeria Semenisty, a senior oncologist at Maccabi Healthcare Services in the North and head of the oncology institute at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera and Assuta Haifa, notes that recognizing one's normal baseline is essential.
"It is not about turning daily life into a search for signs, but rather knowing your body and paying attention when something changes," medical guidelines suggest. New lumps, skin thickenings, changes in shape or size, or unusual nipple discharge are reasons to consult a doctor, though experts remind the public that many such changes are entirely benign.
