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Early detection is key! Book your mammogram with Renown Women's Health and prioritize your breast health today.
Which Type of Breast Health Screening is Right for You?
October 18, 2024
Reviewed by Dr. Colleen O'Kelly-Priddy, MD, FACS, breast surgical oncologist at Renown Women's Health.
In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with approximately 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer during their lives, reports the American Cancer Society.
These statistics can be a little startling; however, when it comes to taking charge of your health, early detection is key. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. reports that when breast cancer is caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. The earlier breast cancer is found, the more treatment options are available and better survival rates are seen.
New technology and evolving screening guidelines are crucial for women to understand and choose the right screening method for their specific needs. The most common types of screenings available today are:
- 2-D Mammography
- 3-D Mammography
- Whole Breast Ultrasound
What is the Difference Between 2-D Mammography and 3-D Mammography?
- 2-D Mammography: In a standard 2-D mammogram, the tech takes X-rays of the breast, compressing it top-to-bottom and side-to-side, providing a 2-dimensional view in each direction. These pictures can show the radiologist if there are abnormalities you might not be able to feel.
- 3-D Mammography: In 3-D mammography, or “tomosynthesis,” the process is largely the same, but more images are taken, and it takes a few seconds longer. This kind of exam provides a more detailed view because it reduces the overlap of tissues that can take place in a standard 2-D mammogram. Using 3-D mammography, radiologists can detect 41 percent more cancers and reduce the number of callbacks for additional imaging. This improvement in technology is great for both patients and their care providers. Renown uses 3-D mammography because it produces better images of the breast, enabling doctors to more accurately diagnose and reduce false positives, especially in women with dense breast tissue.
What is a Whole Breast Ultrasound?
A whole breast ultrasound uses sound waves to detect abnormalities in the breast without using any radiation — it’s an ultrasound just like pregnant women get to check up on their baby. This exam only takes about 20 minutes.
These exams are recommended for patients whose mammograms have shown that they have dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue can make it harder for doctors to see abnormalities in a mammogram, so this technology helps achieve better early detection. It is important to note that whole breast ultrasound doesn’t replace mammograms but is a very helpful additional study in many patients with dense breast tissue.
How Do I Know What Screening I Should Have?
That’s a great question, and the answer is that you don’t have to make that decision right away! All you have to do is go in for your mammogram appointment and the techs will take it from there. You will receive a letter showing your screening results a few days after your appointment and, if you are found to have dense breast tissue, the doctors may recommend following up with additional screening like whole breast ultrasound.
Early detection significantly improves survival, so don’t wait—schedule your mammogram with Renown today and take control of your health!