Breast cancer is a health issue affecting hundreds of thousands of women each year, thus being one of the most frightening diagnoses any woman can receive. Luckily, its early detection can lead to less dire outcomes, often resulting in effective treatment and improvement.
This type of cancer is so prevalent that October has been declared Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with multiple initiatives worldwide dedicated to educating and informing on the issue. However, you don’t need to wait until October to review why a mammogram is the best way to detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stage.
Although several screening options exist, such as MRIs and ultrasounds, mammograms remain the most effective method for the detection of breast cancer, and the medical team at South Plains Rural Health Services illustrates the reasons.
How Do Mammograms Work?
To define it in simple terms, a mammogram is an X-ray test that examines breast tissue. The patient’s breast is placed on a plate and compressed by a paddle while the X-ray captures images, which are later reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist to determine the results.
While traditional X-ray mammograms are the most common and widely used option, there are other effective methods for performing mammograms.
What Other Types of Mammograms Exist?
As previously mentioned, several other methods of mammogram exist, that can yield precise and accurate results, and some of them are the following:
- Digital Mammography: This kind of mammography uses X-ray technology, but the images are stored digitally, instead of on film. The main benefit of this method is reduced radiation exposure. Women under 50, with dense breast tissue, or who haven’t gone through menopause, benefit the most from digital mammograms.
- Tomosynthesis: Also known as 3-D mammography, this method too uses X-rays, to capture thin breast sections with a smaller amount of radiation than a 2-D mammography. It’s often used together with 2-D mammography for optimal and accurate results.
The Limitations of Mammograms
While mammograms are an effective and valuable tool for the early detection of breast cancer, they have some limitations. For example, false positives can happen, particularly in patients with dense breast tissue, often leading to a follow-up biopsy.
A high density of breast tissue can often make it harder to obtain accurate results from mammography, possibly requiring later an MRI or ultrasound. As a result, a doctor could suggest molecular breast imaging, or MBI, to detect cancer cells with more precision.
Should You Get A Mammogram?
The medical professionals at South Plains Rural Health, in conjunction with the CDC, recommend women between 40 to 74 years old, who are at average risk of breast cancer, get a mammogram every year.
If previous results are good and clear, after age 55 this screening can be performed every other year.
Women with a family history of cancer are usually at higher risk, and should ideally start getting mammograms earlier. You can ask your doctor if you belong to the higher-risk group, so you can get screenings as soon as possible.
Patients with breast implants should still get mammograms, although further screenings may be required to examine the whole natural breast tissue.
Mamograms are the best option to care for your health. Remember that early detection can save your life.
If you require more information on breast cancer or any other health-related issue, you can call your nearest South Plains Rural Health office, or make an appointment with our online scheduling tool.