Mammography is the most effective method for screening for breast cancer. Mammograms are incredibly useful and safe, and they can improve the outcome of a breast cancer diagnosis dramatically.
Mammography enables us to spot cancers that are too small to feel, and the smaller a tumor is initially identified, the more probable it is to be treatable and the patient’s prospects of survival.
Mammography does have problems. Breast cancer can occasionally be hidden by normal breast tissue, resulting in a false-negative reading, while other abnormalities can result in a false-positive reading.
Fortunately, technological advancements are assisting in the resolution of some of these challenges. In some Health care services, a new technology that has the potential to be even more successful than mammography is now available. It’s called digital tomosynthesis, and it produces a three-dimensional picture of the breast, allowing the doctor to see any abnormalities more clearly. The 3-D image is created by taking many X-ray images from various angles of each breast.
While mammograms remain our primary tool, the fact that we can also provide tomosynthesis and other forms of imaging helps keep women healthy.
While breast cancer is still the second most frequent malignancy in women, the outlook has greatly improved in the previous 40 years. If caught early enough, the condition is highly treatable. Previously, women would frequently undergo a mastectomy (breast removal surgery) to eradicate the malignancy. However, mammography and techniques like tomosynthesis now allow doctors to diagnose cancer before it spreads. This enables the majority of patients to have less intrusive therapy.
Mammograms have been proven to reduce the chance of dying from breast cancer by 35% in women over the age of 50, according to studies. And that figure is hard to ignore.
It is crucial to remember, however, that only 10% of all women who get mammograms are required to return to their doctor. And the bulk of that ten percent is cancer-free.
Why Mammography?
Experts argue that annual mammograms can reduce breast cancer mortality in a small percentage of women (under 50-15%). The main argument of the expert group is that routine screening doesn’t have as many benefits as it does risks. This can lead to false positives, extra biopsies, and patient anxiety.
Mammograms that are accurate for women aged 5 to 7 years are best because breast tissue density is lower in younger women. This makes it more difficult to spot tumors. Women in pre-menopause who fall into a high-risk category for breast cancer should have a CT scan and an ultrasound in addition to their mammogram. There are other technologies, such as biopsy or fine-needle aspiration. However, they are only available if there is positive mammography screening.
So, When Is It Time To Have A Mammogram?
Several health groups, including the Lifeline Medical Associates, suggest that all women begin screening mammography at the age of 40 and annually afterward.
If you are at high risk for breast cancer and have a family or personal history of breast or ovarian cancer, you should start yearly tests sooner. Make an appointment with your doctor.
Mammograms are a valuable tool for detecting breast cancer. Lifeline Medical Associates offers a variety of mammogram services, including digital mammography and ultrasound. Digital mammography is the standard procedure used to capture images of the breasts. Both procedures are effective in detecting breast cancer. Lifeline Medical Associates also offers other services that can help you stay healthy and avoid breast cancer. You can check our official site alma-llc.com for more information about mammography services.