National Mammography Day: A reminder to schedule a screening

        Each year the third Friday of October is recognized as National Mammography Day, as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
        Mammograms are one of the best breast cancer diagnostic tools and are one of the most common screening methods. The most common cancer in women, aside from skin cancers, is breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
        Understanding mammograms
        Mammograms are x-rays that can help to detect irregularities in the breast. When most people think of mammograms, they think of preventative screening mammograms. Screening mammograms are most often used to check for early signs of breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease.
        The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends beginning screening for patients of average risk at the age of 40 with yearly screening mammograms with tomosynthesis.
        Tomosynthesis, a three-dimensional mammogram, has been shown to improve breast cancer detection compared to the standard two-dimensional mammogram. Women who have a family history or other risk factors may need to begin screenings sooner.
        Diagnostic mammograms are used after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found. Some of these include pain, nipple discharge, a change of breast shape or size, or thickening of the skin. These symptoms could also be related to a benign condition rather than breast cancer which is why it is important to determine the cause of the symptom or lump.
        Typically, mammogram results will be available within a few days of the screening. If there is a concern with your results, your provider will contact you for a follow up appointment or additional testing.
        An abnormal result does not automatically mean cancer is present, but rather that more testing is needed. Fewer than one in 10 women who are called back will turn out to have a diagnosis of breast cancer. Additional testing may include an ultrasound and a diagnostic mammogram which takes more magnified views of the area of concern.
        It is common for woman to be called back for additional testing based on the density of their breast tissue. When the breast tissue is denser than average it can be more difficult to interpret the mammogram. In this case additional tests such as molecular breast imaging (MBI) or a breast MRI can be helpful in further examining the breast tissue to rule out any abnormalities. If an abnormality is still persistent after additional imaging tests, this will likely be followed with a biopsy of the area to evaluate the tissue under the microscope.
        If the result returns as normal, it is important to continue to receive regular screenings as mammograms are most effective when your provider can compare old images to new screening images to look for abnormalities.