Information is power. But too much information can sometimes leave people confused. Take breast cancer, for example. As the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, it receives a lot of attention and makes lots of headlines — and some of those headlines contradict each other. Should we do self-exams or not? How can anyone know what the “right” screening options are anymore? Read on for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Having regular mammograms and clinical breast exams through a healthcare provider are currently considered the best ways to detect breast cancer early. Checking your own breasts for changes also helps, but shouldn’t replace regular mammograms and clinical breast exams. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 40 talk to their doctors about when to begin screening, and can begin annual screenings right away if they choose. At age 45, all women should be having yearly mammograms. By age 55, your doctor may recommend a different screening schedule depending upon your risk factors such as family history and general health.
What is a screening mammogram?
A screening mammogram is a low-dose X-ray exam of the breasts to look for changes in the breasts of women who appear to have no breast problems. Mammograms are used to detect tumors in the breast that cannot be felt. They can also detect tiny deposits of calcium in the breast that can sometimes indicate cancer.
Traditional digital mammograms take a 2-dimensional picture of the inside of the breast. This is a great tool for detecting cancer, but overlapping tissues can sometimes make it difficult to pinpoint the exact location of potential tumors, especially when they’re very small. 3-D mammograms work differently. They take a series of rapid images that break down the breast into “layers,” allowing doctors to check each section of the breast more thoroughly and accurately. This can be especially helpful for screening women with large or dense breasts. Riverview Health offers the latest technology with 3D mammography.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast is often used to evaluate abnormalities detected by mammography or to identify early breast cancer not detected through other means. It is not recommended for routine screening because while it is sensitive, it may still miss cancers that a mammogram would detect. MRIs have also been known to read false positives that require unnecessary biopsies and doctor visits, which is why they’re generally used only as a secondary screening method.
The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Even if you’ve had mammograms before that found no cancer, there’s always the chance of getting it later. By having regular screenings, you increase the chances of detecting breast cancer early when treatment is most effective.
Has it been a while since your last primary care appointment, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0565 to request an appointment.
Sources: Cancer.gov, Cancer.org, WomensHealth.gov
