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Women's Health
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Steps to safeguard your health
One in eight American women will develop breast cancer during the course of her lifetime. It is estimated that by the end of this year, approximately 180,500 new cases will be diagnosed. These sobering statistics should encourage every woman to take steps to safeguard her health. Screening begins with you Step No. 1 is literally in your hands. Women as young as 20 are advised to conduct monthly self-examinations of their breasts. It’s important to perform the exam methodically, to cover all areas of the breast and to take note of any changes. You don’t need to feel a lump to recognize a potential problem. Thickening of the breast tissue can also signal abnormal cell growth and should be reported to your physician. Annual mammograms over 40 After the age of 40, all women should schedule annual mammograms. Digital mammography is replacing older, film technology, and virtually every mammogram taken today at UC Irvine Medical Center uses digital equipment. One advantage of digital over conventional mammography is that X-ray exposure is slightly reduced, thereby limiting your exposure. Additionally, digital images can be manipulated in ways that film images cannot, giving your physician a more comprehensive view of your breasts. As with self-examinations, consistency is key. This means it is crucial for women to get a mammogram every year, so that subtle changes in their breasts year to year can be noted. A lot of changes in breast tissue can occur, so make sure your doctor has the information he or she needs to spot a potential tumor. Women who have had previous abnormal mammograms, who have been previously diagnosed with breast cancer, or who have cysts that change from month to month are often scheduled for “diagnostic mammograms.” The procedure is the same as a routine mammogram, but a radiologist will be present to oversee the mammogram and determine whether additional views are necessary. Are you high risk? Women with a family history of breast cancer – especially those whose mothers, sisters or daughters have been diagnosed – require special attention. They are urged, if possible, to have their first mammogram when they are 10 years younger than their family member was when she was diagnosed. So, if your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 48, you should have your first mammogram at age 38. Ultrasound and breast MRI If a mammogram indicates some suspect tissue but is insufficient to make an exact determination, your doctor may order an ultrasound or breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The ultrasound is less invasive and is usually considered first. The technology uses sound waves to produce an image of the breast. The breast MRI, one of the newest tools in the field of breast cancer diagnosis, requires the intravenous infusion of dye to mark the suspect tissue. For most women, particularly those with an increased amount of glandular or dense tissue, breast MRI may provide additional and more specific information than other conventional technologies. The breast MRI produces a three-dimensional composite model of the breast, and can help doctors detect tumors that may escape identification in a mammogram. With monthly self-exams at home and yearly mammograms as directed by your doctor, screening for breast abnormalities is one of the most important weapons in the battle against breast cancer. It can be summed up in three words: Just do it! m Dr. Joan Marshall is a board-certified and fellowship-trained radiologist who specializes in mammography and practices at UC Irvine Healthcare’s Breast Health Center in Orange. Information: 714.456.7777. |
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