Breast Imaging - Breast Cancer Screening
A woman’s risk of breast cancer increases over her lifetime. At an early age such as thirty, the risk of breast cancer is only 1 in about 2500. By the time a woman reaches eighty years of age the risk will have increased to a 1 in 8 probability.
According to the American Cancer Society recommendations, all women should have a baseline screening mammogram beginning at age 40 and annual screening mammography thereafter.
There are a number of factors that have been associated with an increase risk for developing breast cancer. These include the following:
• family history (mother, sister, daughter or two or more close relatives) with a diagnosis of breast cancer at an early age.
• first pregnancy after the age of 30, or no pregnancies
• onset of menstruation before the age of 12
• onset of menopause at a late age
• obesity
• previous personal history of breast cancer
• genetic changes (BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations)
Symptoms
Most breast masses are benign, but all need evaluation. Some symptoms to be aware of are:
• Persistent lump or thickening
• Nipple discharge
• Breast pain or swelling
• Skin dimpling
Early Detection
Early detection is imperative for increasing treatment options and chance of survival for those found with breast cancer. It is recommended that women:
• Perform regular breast self-examination
• Have an annual clinical examination by a health care provider
• Follow American Cancer Society guidelines for mammography
• Baseline study by age 35-40
• Every 1 to 2 years between ages 40-50
• Yearly after age 50
Breast Imaging Services:
- – Breast Cancer Screening
- – Digital Mammography
- – Breast Ultrasound
- – Breast MRI
- – Galactography (Ductography)
- – Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
- – Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy
- – MRI Guided Breast Biopsy