Information on Mammograms
Mammograms are used to screen for breast cancer. A mammogram is an x-ray of your breast to check for tumors that cannot be felt through examination. Mammograms are also used diagnostically if a lump or mass has been found. For a mammogram, your breast is placed on a plate and another plate is pressed against it from the other side to flatten it while the image is taken.
Screening
Screening mammograms are recommended for women when they reach the age of 40. The National Cancer Institute recommends a mammogram every one to two years. Two x-rays are taken of each breast, one from above and one from the side. Through these x-rays, the doctors can locate microcalcifications, very small calcium deposits that may be an indication of breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the number of breast cancer deaths in women between the ages of 40 and 69 is reduced by having screening mammograms.
Diagnostic Mammograms
Diagnostic mammograms are used to examine suspicious areas or in cases where you have found a lump or there are other indications of breast cancer, such as nipple discharge, pain, swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, thickening skin or a change in the shape or size of your breast. More x-rays are taken for diagnostic mammograms than for screening because doctors need to examine the breast at various angles. According to the American Cancer Society, one out of every ten women who have screening mammograms will need to have additional x-rays taken. In most cases, this does not mean you have breast cancer. Out of every 1000 mammograms, only two to four of them result in a diagnosis of breast cancer.
High Risk
If you are at high risk for breast cancer, your doctor may recommend more frequent mammograms. According to the National Cancer Institute, your risk increases with age: One out of 38 women over the age of 50 get breast cancer. After the age of 60, the risk is one in 27. Other high-risk factors include personal and family history of breast cancer, genetic changes (changes in certain genes), breast density, early menstrual periods or late menopause, long-term use of hormone therapy, obesity, race (Caucasian women are at a higher risk), low physical activity levels and alcohol consumption.
Digital Mammography
The Food and Drug Administration granted its approval for digital mammography to be used in the U.S. in 2000. Digital mammography uses electronic imaging that is displayed directly on computers. This allows radiologists to better examine the images with magnification, enhancement and other adjustments. While there is no difference between film and digital mammography in terms of detection of breast cancer, digital technology offers several benefits. Digital mammography allows the radiologist to share images with your doctors electronically, as well as to store and retrieve previous images for comparison. It may also result in reduced radiation exposure because repeat images are needed less frequently.
Limitations
In some cases, false negatives occur: The images may appear to be normal even when there is breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, as many as 20 percent of breast cancers are missed with screening mammograms. This happens more frequently in younger women because their breasts are denser and cancer is not as easily detected. False positives may also occur when the radiologist believes the mammogram is not normal. Abnormal results should be followed up to identify cancer if it is present. You may need a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound and, in some cases, a biopsy of the area.
Costs
Costs vary among states and imaging facilities for screening mammograms. Most insurances cover all or at least part of the cost. You should check with your insurance carrier about your coverage. According to the National Cancer Institute, Medicaid will cover one baseline mammogram if you are between 35 and 39 years of age. They also cover one screening mammogram every year for women who are 40 and older. Beneficiaries are responsible for 20 percent of the amount approved by Medicare. In addition, there are some state and local programs for free or low cost mammograms. Information on these programs is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (see Resources) or by calling their toll-free number: 1-800-232-4636.
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