“As a breast surgeon, I can’t stress enough how critical mammograms are for early detection of breast cancer. Early detection through mammograms can be the difference between a less invasive procedure and more aggressive treatment options. It’s a simple screening that truly saves lives.” — Dr. Humera Ahmad, Breast and General Surgeon.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women worldwide, and early detection is crucial for improving survival rates. One of the most effective methods for early detection is through mammograms, which can identify changes in breast tissue, including lumps or other abnormalities, often before any symptoms appear. The importance of regular mammograms cannot be overstated, as they have been shown to significantly reduce breast cancer mortality.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast used to detect abnormalities that may indicate breast cancer. It can reveal lumps, calcifications, and other changes that might not be visible during a physical examination. While mammograms are not perfect—occasionally missing signs of cancer or resulting in false positives—they remain one of the best available screening tools for breast cancer.
There are two types of mammograms:
1. Screening mammograms: These are performed routinely on women who have no breast cancer symptoms. The goal is to detect cancer early when it is more treatable.
2. Diagnostic mammograms: These are conducted if a woman has symptoms such as a lump, or if a screening mammogram reveals an abnormality. Diagnostic mammograms involve more detailed imaging to provide additional information.
Why mammograms are critical for early detection
Early detection of breast cancer is a major factor in improving outcomes. When cancer is detected early, the chances of successful treatment increase significantly. Tumors that are caught before they spread beyond the breast tissue are much easier to treat and usually require less invasive procedures. Mammograms are critically important for the following reasons:
- Detecting cancer before symptoms appear: Many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no symptoms. Mammograms can detect tumors at a very early stage, sometimes up to two years before they can be felt. By catching cancer early, mammograms can often help prevent the need for more aggressive treatments like chemotherapy or extensive surgery.
- Improving survival rates: Mammograms have been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality, particularly among women aged 50 and older. Studies suggest that women who receive regular mammograms are 25-30% less likely to die from breast cancer than those who do not get screened. The earlier cancer is found, the better the prognosis.
- Reducing the risk of advanced cancer: Mammograms can detect smaller, less aggressive cancers before they become more advanced. Breast cancer that spreads to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body is much harder to treat, and the chances of survival decrease as cancer spreads. Mammograms help catch cancer before it reaches this advanced stage.
Who should get mammograms?
The general recommendation for mammograms varies slightly depending on health organizations and personal risk factors, but here are some widely accepted guidelines:
- All women should talk with their health care provider about your individual breast cancer risk by age 25. In general, women with an average risk of breast cancer should initiate yearly screening mammograms at age 40.
- Women at higher risk: Women who have a family history of breast cancer, carry certain genetic mutations (like BRCA1 or BRCA2), or have other risk factors may need to start screening earlier and have mammograms more often. These women may also be recommended for additional imaging, such as an MRI, alongside a mammogram.
Despite the proven benefits of mammograms, many women have concerns about the procedure. Some of the most common concerns include:
- Discomfort: Mammograms can be uncomfortable because the breast tissue is compressed to get clear images. While this can cause temporary discomfort, the process only takes a few moments and is generally well-tolerated.
- Radiation exposure: The level of radiation used in a mammogram is very low and is considered safe. The benefits of early detection far outweigh the minimal risk associated with radiation exposure during a mammogram.
- False positives/negatives: Although mammograms are highly effective, they are not foolproof. False positives can occur, leading to unnecessary stress and further testing, while false negatives can delay diagnosis. However, advancements in imaging technology are continually improving the accuracy of mammograms.
Many women may find it comforting to perform other exams in between regular mammogram screenings. These exams include breast self-exam and a clinical exam done by your health care provider. Together, let’s beat the odds by getting screened. Talk to your health care provider about when you should begin screenings.
To learn more or to schedule a mammogram with Prevea Health call (920) 496-4780 or schedule online at prevea.com/mammo
Humera Ahmad, MD, FACS is a Prevea Breast and Cancer Surgeon. Her goal is to provide care to patients who have a broad range of surgical conditions, all in a calm understanding environment. She wants to ensure my patients are knowledgeable about their disease processes, and feel comfortable and confident.
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