Early Detection Saves Lives: Why Breast Cancer Screening Matters -Kaiser Permanente

Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that early detection remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against breast cancer. While advances in treatment continue to improve outcomes, regular screening and awareness of personal risk factors can help identify cancer early, when it is often easier to treat successfully.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Although factors such as age, family history, genetics, and lifestyle can influence risk, many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no significant family history of the disease. That is why routine screening remains so important. 
“Breast cancer screening is one of the most effective tools we have to detect cancer early, often before symptoms develop,” said Dr. Odin Chan, chief of OB-GYN at Kaiser Permanente in Panorama City. “When breast cancer is found in its earliest stages, treatment options are often less invasive and outcomes can be significantly improved. We encourage women to talk with their physician about their personal risk factors and stay current with recommended mammogram screenings.”
Mammograms remain the gold standard for detecting breast cancer before it can be felt or seen. Regular screenings can help identify abnormalities at an earlier stage, providing patients and care teams with more treatment options and increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes. Women should speak with their physician about when to begin screening and how often mammograms are recommended based on their individual health history and risk factors.
In addition to screening, healthy habits such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol consumption, and keeping routine medical appointments can support overall breast health and wellness.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kaiser Permanente encourages community members to make their health a priority by scheduling recommended screenings and discussing any concerns with their care team. Taking time for a mammogram today could make a lifesaving difference tomorrow.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that early detection remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against breast cancer. While advances in treatment continue to improve outcomes, regular screening and awareness of personal risk factors can help identify cancer early, when it is often easier to treat successfully.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Although factors such as age, family history, genetics, and lifestyle can influence risk, many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no significant family history of the disease. That is why routine screening remains so important. 
“Breast cancer screening is one of the most effective tools we have to detect cancer early, often before symptoms develop,” said Dr. Odin Chan, chief of OB-GYN at Kaiser Permanente in Panorama City. “When breast cancer is found in its earliest stages, treatment options are often less invasive and outcomes can be significantly improved. We encourage women to talk with their physician about their personal risk factors and stay current with recommended mammogram screenings.”
Mammograms remain the gold standard for detecting breast cancer before it can be felt or seen. Regular screenings can help identify abnormalities at an earlier stage, providing patients and care teams with more treatment options and increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes. Women should speak with their physician about when to begin screening and how often mammograms are recommended based on their individual health history and risk factors.
In addition to screening, healthy habits such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol consumption, and keeping routine medical appointments can support overall breast health and wellness.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kaiser Permanente encourages community members to make their health a priority by scheduling recommended screenings and discussing any concerns with their care team. Taking time for a mammogram today could make a lifesaving difference tomorrow.