10 • Wednesday, October 6, 2010
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2010
Mammograms
Mammograms have saved innumerable lives on the North Olympic Peninsula and across the country say radiologists on staff at Olympic Medical Center. This simple screening often can catch breast cancer early, before it can be felt on a physical exam.
What is a mammogram?
Kacey Eichacker is the program supervisor for women’s imaging services at Olympic Medical Center. She oversees the implementation and use of digital mammography in Port Angeles and Sequim. Photo by Jerry Kraft
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Essentially, a mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to locate and assess abnormalities in the breast tissue. Though breast mammography has been used for decades, ongoing advances have improved the technology and made it more ideal for use in detecting breast cancer. Today’s mammography machines produce lower levels of radiation than is found in a typical X-ray. This means the surrounding tissues absorb significantly less radiation. The black-and-white picture taken by the mammography machine is known as the mammogram. Physicians use two types of mammograms to detect and treat breast cancer. A screening mammogram is recommended as part of a healthy-lifestyle routine for women who don’t have any
risk factors. Physicians rely on diagnostic mammograms to evaluate an abnormality and/or to address concerns that may be noted on a screening exam.
Why get a mammogram?
Especially when combined with clinical breast exams, mammograms may be your best protection against breast cancer. When physicians catch most breast cancer in the beginning stages, they can begin the treatment process sooner. Although dependent upon the specific type of cancer, often these early stage lesions are more responsive to treatment.
Who needs mammograms and how often are they needed?
Research supporting the impact of mammograms is stronger than ever. However, a combination of screenings and tests may be a woman’s best defense against breast cancer. The American College of Physicians recently released new recommendations for women in their 40s to protect against this potentially deadly disease. Instead of yearly screening