An estimated 1/8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer over her lifetime. Rarely, men can also get breast cancer. Yet the debate remains on the best way to screen patients. It is important to note that black and white women get breast cancer at about the same rate, but black women die from breast cancer at a higher rate than white women (CDC). Black women are more likely to get triple-negative breast cancer. One that is aggressive, and tends to comes back after treatment.
What Happens during a mammogram?
During a mammogram, a low radiation x-ray image of the breast is taken. This aids in both screening and diagnosing breast cancer. Any areas of unusual pattern or calcification are further examined.
A firm breast compression happens between two plates, called the detectors. The breast remains immobile and a picture is taken. There are many types of detectors. Women with dense breast should look for places that do digital mammography where solid-state detectors are used. This allows radiologist to fine-tune images so that tiny abnormalities stand out better when breast density is an issue.
What happens during a thermogram?
A thermography is a non-invasive procedure, not involving radiation exposure. Infrared technology is used to look at temperature changes on the skin. A heat map is created showing areas of higher and lower temperatures. Many studies say that it is over 95% sensitive especially in younger women. However, the detection rate for thermography is only 40 to 80% of cancers, against 80-93% with mammography. False positives is 25%. Double that of mammography.
Pro and Cons of Mammography:
PROS
The benefits of mammography is that it can detect cancer before symptoms are present.
CONS
- The cons are the small doses of radiation, which add up overtime.
- Non-cancerous breast changes can lead to false-positive results.
- Women with dense breast, breast implants or on hormone replacement therapy may not have accurate results.
Pros and Cons of thermography:
PROS
- There is no radiation.
- It’s fast and non-invasive.
- Your breasts are not compressed like pancakes.
- It can detect if you have breast implants or not
- Hormonal and menstrual changes have no impact on the procedure or the results.
CONS
- Thermography only detect changes in breast due to temperature.
- It does not definitely tell radiologist if there is a cancer in your breast.
The Verdict is in!
Mammograms for every women over 40 are still regarded as the most trusted method for early breast cancer detection.
You know what’s even greater ladies…getting to know your breast. Touch them. Frequently. Pay attention to the changes. Do not panic and schedule your well women exams yearly.
BE IN THE KNOW!
For first timers, screening mammography is more sensitive during the follicular phase of your cycle. For women who get regular screening, sensitivity of the exam is higher during the first week of the menstrual cycle. However, there is no difference in specificity or cancer detection rates according to the week of your menstrual cycle.
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