 I just read an article by breast imaging specialist, Dr. Stacey Vitiello, in The Atlantic called “The Negative Mammogram Myth.” In it, she reminds us that mammography is an imperfect science and that a normal mammogram doesn’t necessarily mean a woman is breast cancer-free. In fact, researchers report that combining mammogram and sonogram (also called an ultrasound) can find 29% more cancers and 34% more invasive cancers.
Vitiello writes, “Do yourself a favor and insist on that sonogram. Don’t take no for an answer from either your doctor or from a radiology center that tells you they don’t do screening sonograms.”
This is great advice, but I honestly don’t know anywhere in the Boston or New England area that does screening sonograms. So what is a woman to do? Here are my recommendations:
- Find an accredited mammography center where you feel comfortable and the staff is easily approachable.
- If you have dense breasts or a family history of dense breasts, seek out a breast imaging center that uses digital mammography. For more information, see my article on dense breasts.
- If you have a prior history of breast cancer in your family, look into the possibility of being screened where you can get results the same day and additional testing in a timely way if you wanted.
- If you are at a higher risk, inquire at the imaging center as to whether your mammogram will be double-read; and either way, if you have a questionable result, get a second (or third) opinion.
- If you do find a lump or a thickening, be sure that your practitioner requests an ultrasound in that area. Be proactive and tell the people at the imaging center. Most places will do both exams the same day.
Screening ultrasounds may someday be the standard of care, but they just aren’t readily available yet. I know that some mammography centers are acquiring devices that can perform a total breast sonogram like a robot and send the images to a radiologist to read. This isn’t my preference because I like the human touch and the immediate feedback we can get. But maybe this robot will expand the use of sonogram and open some doors for better screening.
I think both doctors and patients are both looking for an easier, faster, more reliable way to screen women for breast cancer, and the good news is that many researchers are working on it. In the meantime, there are things we can do in our everyday lives to create better breast health. See my breast health tips for more information.
References
Vitiello, S. 2011. The Negative Mammogram Myth. The Atlantic. URL: http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/01/the-negative-mammogram-myth/252020/.
Lowry, F. 2009. Mammogram Plus Ultrasound Screening Increases the Detection of Early Breast Cancer. Medscape News. URL: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/713252. |