Breast Imaging - Early Detection Saves Lives

The American Cancer Society reports that early detection of breast cancer, in the localized stage, has a 5-year survival rate of 99%. Early detection means finding and diagnosing breast cancer before symptoms appear. Breast imaging screens are an effective tool for early detection of breast cancer. Breast Imaging can detect breast cancer before a woman is symptomatic. 

Breast cancers found during screenings are likely to be smaller and less likely to have spread outside the breast. The size of a breast cancer and how far it has spread are some of the most important factors in predicting the prognosis (outlook) of a woman with this disease. 

To determine if you are a candidate for Breast Imaging, your provider considers various factors such as age, physical changes in the breast, and personal and hereditary risk factors. If a screen detects abnormalities, further testing may be done. Mammograms are often the initial Breast Imaging Screen performed. The results of your mammogram will determine if additional screenings are needed.  

Breast Imaging Screens includes Mammograms, Breast Ultrasounds, Breast MRI’s, and Molecular Breast Imaging, MBI’s.

Mammograms  

Mammograms can be used to look for breast cancer, either as a screening test in women without symptoms or in women who have symptoms that might be from cancer. A mammogram can often find or detect breast cancer early, when it’s small and even before a lump can be felt. This stage is when it’s likely to be easiest to treat. There are 2D and 3D mammograms. 
How Does a Mammogram Work? | American Cancer Society

Breast Ultrasounds 

Breast Ultrasounds can show certain breast changes, like fluid-filled cysts, which can be harder to see on mammograms. Breast Ultrasounds are not typically used as a routine screening test for breast cancer. Ultrasound can be especially helpful in women with dense breast tissue, which can make it hard to see abnormal areas on mammograms. It also can be used to get a better look at a suspicious area that was seen on a mammogram.
What Is a Breast Ultrasound? | Breast Cancer Screening

Breast MRI’s 

For certain women at high risk for breast cancer, a screening breast MRI is recommended along with a yearly mammogram. MRI is not recommended as a screening test by itself, because it can miss some cancers that a mammogram would find. A Breast MRI may be done if woman is experiencing symptoms of breast cancer or previous screens have detected abnormalities.
What Is a Breast MRI? | Breast Cancer Screening

Molecular Breast Imaging, MBI’s 

Molecular Breast Imaging is a small amount of radioactive material (known as a tracer) injected into the blood. The tracer is more likely to collect in cancer cells. A special camera can then be used to see the tracer in the breast or other parts of the body. An MBI is performed primarily to follow up with breast problems such as a lump, or an abnormal mammogram, or to help determine the extent of breast cancer that has already been diagnosed.  
Newer and Experimental Breast Imaging Tests | American Cancer Society

Bring any questions or concerns regarding Breast Imaging Screens to your provider. If you choose to have Breast Imaging, your provider will review your results and offer her recommendations.