WHO IS AT RISK?
It is estimated that at this very moment, more than half a million American women have undiagnosed breast cancer - cancer that could be detected with a quality mammogram. Breast cancer can spread and kill. This year alone, 15,000 lives could be saved through early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimates that one out of every nine women will develop breast cancer. You cannot change these numbers, but you can increase your chances for survival and a full productive life. The key is early detection. You can make a difference.
HOW IS A MAMMOGRAM PERFORMED?
A mammogram is performed in an upright position. The breast tissue is firmly compressed between two plates for a complete view of the entire breast. Generally, two or three
views are taken of each breast.
An image of the breast tissue is produced and can show any irregular tissue that may be present. Cancer usually appears as a more dense, irregular area than the
surrounding breast tissue.
We have installed the R2 Computer Aided Detection Image Checker System at Wake Radiology, which has been shown to significantly increase the detection rate of breast cancers.
IS THE RADIATION FROM THE MAMMOGRAM HARMFUL?
Mammography is a safe, low-dose x-ray technique. The risk of developing breast cancer as a result of this amount of radiation is equal to the risk of dying from lung cancer after
smoking one-fourth of a cigarette.
DO I NEED TO HAVE A SCREENING MAMMOGRAM IF I DO NOT HAVE ANY LUMPS IN MY BREAST?
Even without visible or palpable lumps in your breast, you could be developing breast cancer. Periodic screening is used to scan the breast tissue for possible irregularities that
you may not be able to feel - sometimes as much as two years before they can be felt.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SCREENING MAMMOGRAM AND A DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAM?
Diagnostic mammography is a targeted examination for women with specific breast problems. The procedure is similar to a screening mammogram, however several
additional views may be required.
EXAMINATION GUIDELINES:
The American Cancer Society suggests these guidelines for screening mammography:
- Baseline Mammogram by age 40
- Mammogram every year after age 40
WHAT IS A BASELINE MAMMOGRAM?
A baseline mammogram is the name used for your first screening mammogram. It is important because it is usually used as the basis for comparison in later tests.
DOES A MAMMOGRAM TAKE THE PLACE OF A MANUAL BREAST EXAMINATION?
No. The best chance a woman has for early detection of cancer is to combine annual screening mammograms with a manual breast examination by an experienced doctor. A woman should also practice monthly breast self examination.
HOW CAN I MAKE SURE I HAVE THE BEST POSSIBLE BREAST EXAMINATION?
- Have your mammogram performed at a facility that displays the American College of Radiology certificate of accreditation in mammography. This certificate indicates that qualified female personnel who are registered in mammography are performing your examination. It also assures you that board certified radiologists will interpret your films, and that dedicated mammographic equipment is being used to ensure optimum radiographic examinations with the lowest possible radiation dosage.
- Recognize that your nervousness is natural and know that the staff will make every effort to minimize this.
- Try to schedule the mammogram within 1 week after your period, or when your breasts are least sensitive.
- Don’t wear deodorant or powders when having a mammogram. Some contain aluminum flecks which can show on the x-ray and make it difficult for the doctor to interpret.
- For your own comfort, you should wear a two-piece outfit, such as pants and a blouse, so you only have to remove your top garments and not be completely undressed.
WHY AREN’T MAMMOGRAMS 100% FOOLPROOF?
Breast tissue is different in all women. Sometimes a cancer is not imaged on the mammogram because the surrounding breast tissue is the same density as the cancer. Mammograms do not image 10%- 20% of the cancers. This is why you also need to have periodic physical exams by a qualified doctor.
FACTS TO CONSIDER IF YOU ARE CALLED BACK FOR A DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAM
Note that the American Cancer Society states that most women will have negative results from a screening mammogram. If a diagnostic mammogram is necessary as a result of a screening mammogram no significant abnormality is found in the majority of cases.
Even if a significant abnormality is found on a diagnostic mammogram, and a biopsy is necessary, remember that only one out of every four women will have cancer in their biopsy specimen.
WHEN AND WHY WOULD I NEED A BREAST ULTRASOUND?
In order to complete your breast imaging exam, the radiologist may request a breast ultrasound. An ultrasound of the breast is a valuable aid to mammography. It is often used to determine the composition of structures in the breast that can be felt or that are detected on the mammogram.
If you have been to our office for a screening mammogram, you may be contacted to return for a breast ultrasound. Patients receiving diagnostic mammograms can usually have an ultrasound performed while you are in the office on a work-in basis.
WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER GOING TO WAKE RADIOLOGY?
Wake Radiology's offices are staffed with experienced female mammography technologists who have completed comprehensive testing to become registered in this specialty by the American College of Radiology. Our physicians are board certified in the field of radiology and are experts in mammography interpretation.