Do I really need a mammogram? Yes.

Nancy Lee, clinical nurse liaison

Comprehensive Breast Health at the Imaging Center

Q. What exactly is a mammogram and how important are they?

A. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts using low dose radiation. Mammograms are used to detect breast cancer early in its development often a year or two before it is large enough to be noticed. A screening mammogram is used to find the early cancer in women showing no symptoms while a diagnostic mammogram may be done as a result of women with certain symptoms. Locally, at the Imaging Center, mammograms are read digitally on screen offering a crisper more detailed view as opposed to the old film x-rays.

Q. What happens once the mammogram is completed?  

A. A radiologist exams the x-ray and at the Imaging Center a system called CAD (computer aided detection) is utilized as well. The CAD technology works as a second pair of eyes. The mammogram is reviewed by CAD after the radiologist has completed an initial reading. With CAD the digital x-ray image is scanned, marking any suspicious areas. Those areas can then be studied in more detail by the radiologist who can decide if any additional testing is needed.

Q. What can I do to decrease my chances of developing breast cancer?

A. The best prevention is early detection. Some basic steps include regular mammograms for women over 40, regular exams by your physician, monthly self exams and eating a low-fat diet while avoiding tobacco products and drinking alcoholic products in moderation if at all.

Q. They say most women under 40 don’t need an annual mammogram is this correct?

A. Annual exams by your primary care physician and monthly self exams are just as important for women under 40. Any changes should be evaluated by a nurse or physician. If there is a family history of premenopausal breast cancer, you should talk to your physician about any additional screenings, including a mammogram.  

Q. I heard that mammograms are ineffective in woman with dense breast tissue, is this true?  

A. No, dense breast tissue, which is more common in younger women, can make a mammogram more difficult to interpret, but interpretation by experts has confirmed that mammograms can find cancer in any woman. In dense breasts, abnormalities can often be picked up and further evaluated.

Q. If I am due for my mammogram, what should I do?

A. The Imaging Center offers evening and weekend hours for women to make scheduling as convenient as possible. Contact your primary care physician or contact The Imaging Center at (765) 281-4564.

Nancy Lee is a clinical nurse liaison with Comprehensive Breast Health at the Imaging Center in Muncie. For more information call (765) 281-4564 send an email to info@chsmail.org or log on to accesschs.org

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