There has been a spike in breast cancer cases in recent years. Most women, especially those aged above 40 years, are getting diagnosed with early to advanced stages of breast cancer, and some even succumbing to death.
To bring down the mortality rate because of breast cancer, healthcare professionals recommend including a mammography test in each woman’s annual health check-up. Why so? Let’s find out.
What is Mammography? Understanding Mammography Purpose and Types
Mammography is a screening or diagnostic test for breast cancer. In a screening mammography, a low-dose X-ray of the top-down or side angle of the breasts is considered when no clear clinical signs of breast cancer are noticeable. It is done to check for early signs of breast cancer.
In case something unusual about breasts is detected, or signs appear, a diagnostic mammography is recommended for detailed views of the inside of breasts and to investigate the symptoms like breast lumps, changes in breast skin, or pain.
Besides, mammography helps track breast changes over time so that preventive measures can be taken to avoid the breast condition from getting serious. It can monitor the progress of the treatment provided for breast concerns. If anything is not going as expected, on the basis of mammography reports, the concerned doctor can recommend required changes in the patient’s treatment plan for the patient’s relief.
Today, the advanced digital mammography, the 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), is favored over standard 2D mammography for breast cancer detection. With the use of new-age mammograms, there is minimal risk of false positive results in patients with dense breasts.
Why Regular Mammography Test Matters for Women?
The mammography test is crucial for women due to the following reasons:
Early breast cancer detection.
Digital mammograms can help identify subtle breast changes or tiny tumors that develop in the breast tissue before they are actually visible or felt during self or physical examination of the breast. Detection of breast cancer when it is confined to the breast will ensure maximum survivability- recovery of a woman with the condition.
Better treatment outcomes.
Early identification of breast cancer with a mammography test will allow less aggressive treatments to work and relieve the patient. The patient’s life can be saved and improved with treatments like lumpectomy (tumor removal). Also, there would be less need for extensive radiation treatments or chemotherapy. The patient will not require breast removal (mastectomy) to save their lives.
Breast cancer risk is present even without a family history.
85% of breast cancer patients have no genetic background of breast cancer. Despite this, regular breast cancer screening is essential for all women.
Aging increases the risk of breast cancer.
As a woman ages, her chances of developing breast cancer too. The risk is higher in women aged 45 years. That’s why all healthcare experts recommend women go for annual mammography tests.
Contentment
A mammography test provides insights into the general health of the breasts. With regular screening mammography, women can proactively monitor their breast health and even check for the progress of breast cancer treatment to have peace of mind.
What Happens During a Mammography Test- The Mammography Procedure
The patient is asked to change into the provided gown, remove any jewelry or metal objects, and stand in front of the mammography machine with one naked breast placed on the flat support plate, at a time. Against the plate, a clear plastic paddle of the machine is gently pressed to evenly flatten the breast tissue, causing a tolerable discomfort. This ensures exposure of breast tissue to a low X-ray dose and a clear, good-quality image formation.
A technologist who is well-versed in the use of a mammography machine takes images of the breast from different angles. The same steps are repeated for the second breast. The images are then observed by a radiologist for interpretation.
If aged around 40 years, you may discuss and opt for annual breast screening, but if aged above 45 years, annual mammographytest using a good mammography testis recommended.