Breast screening can be referred to as the test or examination of breast which is used to detect any type of disease, such as cancer, in people who do not have any such symptoms. The aim of breast screening test for early breast cancer detection is to find out or detect if there is any atom of cancer before it starts causing any symptoms.

Self examination and physical examination of the breast is also another way to detect breast cancer earlier and constant checking will help to detect breast cancer earlier.

Most breast cancers that are detected is just because it can be felt tend to be larger and are more likely to have spread beyond the breast. In other hand, breast cancer that is been found during screening examinations is likely to be small, still confined to the breast and can be treated.

More women are surviving this deadly disease called breast cancer just because of routine screening and early detection and improved treatments. Breast cancer does not have any outward signs which can be seen or feel. If there is an outward sign, the more common ones should include: a dimple in the breast or a lump that is an area of thickening but the common signs include breast swelling and redness or an enlarged underarm lymph node.

If it happens that you have more of these signs, it does not mean that you have breast cancer. Have in mind that most breast lumps turn out to be benign and not cancerous but it is important for you to see your doctor immediately to avoid unnecessary worry that might have breast cancer. For your doctor examine you will ease some if not all your worry, and if anything is found, you will be able to take care of it as soon as possible.

The 5-year breast cancer survival rate for stage 2 breast cancer diagnosed in the U.S. varies according to size of the tumor and whether or not cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

If the breast cancer is under 2 centimeters in diameter and has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm (the axillary lymph nodes), it is stage IIA breast cancer and the survival rate is 88%-92% (American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute).

If the breast cancer is between 2-5 centimeters but has not spread, it is also called stage IIA.

If the breast cancer is between 2-5 centimeters in diameter and has spread to the lymph nodes, it is called stage IIB breast cancer and the 5-year breast cancer survival rate is 76%-81%.

If the breast cancer is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread beyond the breast, it is also called stage IIB

Up to 29% of diagnosed breast cancer is Stage 2 breast cancer for white women and 36% for black women. An average of 62% of all breast cancer is diagnosed when it is still localized to the breast area or Stage 1 breast cancer. If the cancer is detected early enough, such as Stage 1 breast cancer, then the 5-year breast cancer survival rate is as high as 98%-100%. Early detection is the most important way to save the lives of cancer patients.

Fortunately for breast cancer patients, there has been a great deal of effort put into providing information about early detection. Early detection and improved treatments are the primary reason for increasing breast cancer survival rates.

Women can help themselves with monthly self-examinations done at the same time every month. When a woman is 20 she should make sure that she gets a clinical examination at least every three years. After the age of 40, the clinical exams should be part of her annual health check-up, along with her mammogram.

Women can also help themselves with healthy habits that may help breast cancer prevention, such as regular moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive alcohol. These, and other healthy habits should be maintained for life since the risk of breast cancer increases with age.