Mammograms are an essential kind of screening. They can occasionally identify breast cancer in its early stages before symptoms appear. This is significant since early detection leads to better results. Most women should begin obtaining annual mammography around the age of 40. For more information, consult a mammography clinic Boise.
What is a mammogram used for
Mammography may be administered as a screening test to check for signs of breast cancer in persons with no symptoms. Mammography can also be used to detect breast cancer in those who have any of the following symptoms or indications:
- Breast or breast portion thickening or swelling
- An armpit lump or a breast lump (axillary mass)
- Skin dimpling on the breasts
- A change in the breast’s size or form
- One breast feels heavy.
- Nipple retraction (nipple pulling in)
- A discharge from the nipple
- Breast pain
- Breast or nipple redness, rash, scaling, or irritation
- Breasts itching
When should you get a mammogram?
The American Cancer Society, the United States Preventive Services Task Force, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists all have slightly different breast cancer screening standards.
According to the US Preventive Services Task Force, women aged 50 to 74 should get a mammogram every two years. Certain healthcare practitioners recommend mammograms for women over the age of 40.
Before that, women between the ages of 25 and 40 should have an annual clinical breast exam performed by their gynecologist.
These suggestions are only for women who are at moderate risk. Those with a family history of breast cancer, another risk factor, or an uncommon symptom may need mammograms or other screening procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Consult your healthcare practitioner to determine when to begin yearly or biannual screening.
Do men also get mammograms?
Men with BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB genes may be recommended a mammogram. Male breast cancer is far less prevalent than female breast cancer, although it does occur.
The drawbacks
It is crucial to note that mammograms are not capable of diagnosing breast cancer; they can only detect worrisome abnormalities. A breast biopsy (the removal of a tissue sample for evaluation in a lab) would be required to make a conclusive diagnosis.
Also, remember that mammography has limits in terms of its accuracy. Despite their great value, mammograms differ in sensitivity (the capacity to properly identify persons with the illness) and specificity (the ability to accurately identify those who do not have the disease).
