Breast Cancer: Early Answers, Better Outcomes

No one should face breast cancer alone

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Every country, every culture, and every socioeconomic group is affected. In 2024, more than 360, 000 people will be diagnosed with this disease in the United States alone¹. Yet, half of these cases will occur in women with no known risk factors beyond their gender and age.

The alarming part? A woman’s chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime is 1 in 8, accounting for about 30% (1 in 3) of all new female cancer cases each year^2,3. This is not a problem for ‘other people’ – it’s one that touches nearly everyone, directly or indirectly. And while the disease is far more common in women, breast cancer also affects men, highlighting that no one is exempt from risk³.

Globally, there are around 2.3 million new breast cancer cases each year.

The power of early detection

Catching breast cancer early increases the odds of survival. When detected in its earliest localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%⁴. But early detection doesn’t just happen – it relies on education, awareness, and informed healthcare choices.

Mammograms, self-examinations, and clinical screenings are vital tools in the fight. Equally important is knowing what to do when something feels off. Access to reliable information and medical guidance is often the key to people making informed decisions about their health.

More than pink ribbons⁶

October’s pink ribbons remind us all of the need for awareness but they should also serve as a prompt for deeper action. Awareness needs to move beyond the symbolic, focusing on a greater understanding of the disease and more research leading to better treatments⁵. Far too often, breast cancer is detected at an advanced state, reducing the likelihood of successful treatment.

Women need to be informed about symptoms, screening options, and what to do after diagnosis.

Taking control with a medical second opinion

For many, navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, or any medical diagnosis, is overwhelming. The first diagnosis received may not be complete or clear, leaving a person with more questions than answers. That’s where a second opinion can be crucial.

Emma’s story

Diagnosis
Emma, a 39-year-old woman, was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. With a family history of breast, prostate, thyroid, an lung cancer, her doctors initially recommended bilateral mastectomies as the best course of action. Unsure and overwhelmed, Emma turned to MediGuide for a medical second opinion.

Medical second opinion
Her case was reviewed by a top oncologist at a leading medical center in MediGuide’s global network. After a thorough review, the oncologist disagreed with the need for such an aggressive surgery. Instead, they recommended a lumpectomy, a less invasive option, followed by a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine if the cancer had spread. Emma was also advised to undergo multigene testing to assess additional genetic risks. Hormonal therapy for 10 years would follow, with chemotherapy and radiation only if the cancer spread to her lymph nodes.

Outcome
The second opinion was life-changing for Emma. It gave her a less invasive treatment option and the confidence to move forward, ready to take on the treatment plan that fit her specific condition.

The support I received from MediGuide throughout the process was incredible. They made sure I understood every part of the process and supported me through it all.”

Emma

The bottom line for health insurers and employers

Thanks to advancements in early and precise detection, and personalized care, survival rates are improving. Offering medical second opinions isn’t just a value add – it’s essential, especially for something as significant as breast cancer. When your employees or members feel empowered with clear options – like Emma did – they’re more likely to make informed choices. This means less downtime, lower healthcare expenses and insurance claims, and improved productivity, and most importantly better health outcomes.

Get in touch with us to learn more about the importance of medical second opinions.