Breast Cancer Screening News Update: Yesterday, March 27, the American Cancer Society issued new breast cancer screening guidelines calling for women in certain risk groups to be screened via MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), in addition to mammography. At the same time, the March 29 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, includes a national study indicating that women who’ve been diagnosed with cancer in one breast should have an MRI in the other, as MRI can detect very early cancers that can’t be seen on a mammogram. Together they signal a sea change in how certain women should be screened for breast cancer. -- PJ Hamel
Originally published January 5, 2007
For years, mammograms have been the universally recommended way for women to double-check the health of their breasts. We’re surrounded by reminders to get a yearly mammogram: from the American Cancer Society, with their tasteful ads; from doctors, who routinely call for it as part of a woman’s post-40 physical; and from our sisterhood of family, friends, and colleagues, who nag relentlessly if we put it off.
While “the big squeeze” isn’t pleasant, it’s at least familiar, to those of us who’ve been having an annual film mammogram for years. And for those of you who haven’t yet reached mammogram age: don’t sweat it. It’s not as uncomfortable as you probably imagine, it only lasts a few seconds and, as you move into prime breast cancer territory–women over 40–it provides you with a big “whew, I‘m set for another year!” moment.
Standard film mammograms start with a baseline reading: the first mammogram you have is your baseline. Each year after that, the mammogram is compared to the one from the previous year, to note any changes. Mammograms are about 80 to 85 percent effective in detecting tumors, including very small ones, ones that can’t be felt during a self-exam, or even by a doctor during your physical. They’re the Ford Escort of breast cancer detection: familiar, reliable, and reasonably priced. But, just as the Escort is gradually disappearing from the roads (it ceased production 5 years ago), are standard film mammograms becoming a thing of the past, replaced by newer, possibly more accurate technologies?
The digital mammogram is already available at about 10% of breast imaging facilities. It relies on a breast X-ray, just as a film mammogram does, but instead of being recorded on film, it’s electronic: it can be magnified, made darker or lighter, and otherwise tweaked, so the radiologist reading it can get the very best view. It’s also much easier to store, retrieve, and send from place to place; unfortunately, it’s also up to four times as expensive as a film mammogram. Studies have shown that a digital mammogram is more accurate in detecting cancer in three groups of women: those under 40; those who are pre- or peri-menopausal; and those with particularly dense breasts. If you fall into any of these groups, ask your doctor if digital mammography is available–and then ask your insurance company if they cover it.
Originally published January 5, 2007
For years, mammograms have been the universally recommended way for women to double-check the health of their breasts. We’re surrounded by reminders to get a yearly mammogram: from the American Cancer Society, with their tasteful ads; from doctors, who routinely call for it as part of a woman’s post-40 physical; and from our sisterhood of family, friends, and colleagues, who nag relentlessly if we put it off.
While “the big squeeze” isn’t pleasant, it’s at least familiar, to those of us who’ve been having an annual film mammogram for years. And for those of you who haven’t yet reached mammogram age: don’t sweat it. It’s not as uncomfortable as you probably imagine, it only lasts a few seconds and, as you move into prime breast cancer territory–women over 40–it provides you with a big “whew, I‘m set for another year!” moment.
Standard film mammograms start with a baseline reading: the first mammogram you have is your baseline. Each year after that, the mammogram is compared to the one from the previous year, to note any changes. Mammograms are about 80 to 85 percent effective in detecting tumors, including very small ones, ones that can’t be felt during a self-exam, or even by a doctor during your physical. They’re the Ford Escort of breast cancer detection: familiar, reliable, and reasonably priced. But, just as the Escort is gradually disappearing from the roads (it ceased production 5 years ago), are standard film mammograms becoming a thing of the past, replaced by newer, possibly more accurate technologies?
The digital mammogram is already available at about 10% of breast imaging facilities. It relies on a breast X-ray, just as a film mammogram does, but instead of being recorded on film, it’s electronic: it can be magnified, made darker or lighter, and otherwise tweaked, so the radiologist reading it can get the very best view. It’s also much easier to store, retrieve, and send from place to place; unfortunately, it’s also up to four times as expensive as a film mammogram. Studies have shown that a digital mammogram is more accurate in detecting cancer in three groups of women: those under 40; those who are pre- or peri-menopausal; and those with particularly dense breasts. If you fall into any of these groups, ask your doctor if digital mammography is available–and then ask your insurance company if they cover it.
