October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to show support for breast cancer survivors, remember those lost to the disease, and promote early detection and research.
Throughout the month of October, the color pink transforms into a universal symbol for women’s health and breast cancer awareness. The annual tradition of wearing a pink ribbon is a way to show support for breast cancer survivors, remember those lost to the disease, and promote early detection and research.
Early signs of breast cancer can manifest in the form of physical symptoms. Some breast changes can be felt and seen in the form of a new or thickening lump, changes in size or shape, skin dimpling that resembles an orange peel, redness, swelling, nipple inversion, nipple discharge, and pain in the breast or nipple. Sometimes people don’t experience any symptoms at all. Cancerous masses that linger deep in the breast tissue can only be detected with a mammogram.
The breast is made of milk glands, milk ducts, fatty tissue and supportive tissue, all of which is compressed for more accurate imaging during a mammogram. For certain types of breasts, mammograms can be difficult to interpret. This is because there is a wide variation in breast tissue density among women. Denser breasts are more difficult to assess for tumor diagnosis.
“Sometimes, your normal anatomy can make images look a little suspicious and they may want to take a closer look. It’s not always a terrible thing to have to be called back. That’s something patients get scared about. Sometimes it makes them feel better when we say we just want to get a closer look at what’s going on,” says Heather Fay, Computed Tomography (CT) technologist at Arnot Health, a member of Centralus Health.
Newer machines, like Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (3D mammography), give radiologists a clearer, more detailed view of the breast, increasing the detection rate of cancers. A 3D mammogram uses an X-ray arm to take multiple images of breast tissue in thin slices, allowing radiologists to view the tissue in a 3D format and improve cancer detection, especially in dense breasts. A traditional 2D mammogram creates a single, flat image, which can make it harder to see through dense tissue and detect abnormalities. The ability to see through overlapping layers of breast tissue in 3D allows radiologists to detect cancers that might be hidden in a 2D mammogram. Studies show 3D mammography can detect cancers that would have been missed with 2D alone.
“It actually gives less radiation the more we compress your breast,” says Heather.
The compression is what most women associate with discomfort, though it is vital in minimizing motion blur, enhancing clarity, and lowering the amount of radiation needed.
“Compression is important, but we always work with the patient. If it starts to feel uncomfortable, we tell them to let us know and we do what we can to make it easier,” Heather says.
The elegant design of 3D mammography equipment is more than just aesthetic; the gentle, rounded corners of the image receptor, where patients place the breasts, completely changes the experience compared to the traditional mammogram. Heather says this design forms much better to the patient’s body and doesn’t jab them as much.
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (3D mammography), gives radiologists a clearer, more detailed view of the breast, increasing the detection rate of cancers.
Radiologists and technologists understand the anxiety associated with waiting for imaging results. At Centralus Health, mammograms are typically read within a day or two of an appointment.
“Our radiologists are very quick about it. We don’t like to have a lot of time in between; we like to get the results to patients as quickly as possible.”
For most women, routine mammograms should begin around the age of 40. Women with higher-than-average risk for breast cancer, such as those with a family history or genetic mutations, should consult their healthcare provider about starting earlier. Family history includes any immediate family such as mothers, grandmothers, or aunts. If you do have family history, providers recommend beginning mammograms at 35, and will determine if you need to come back every year or every two years.
Cayuga Health offers 3D mammography at their main campus location, 101 Dates Drive, Ithaca, (607) 274-4376; East Campus location, 10 Arrowwood Drive, Ithaca, (607) 274-4155; Cayuga Park location, 401 Cayuga Park Lane, 4th Floor, Ithaca; Schuyler Hospital, 220 Steuben Street, Montour Falls, (607) 535-7121; and in Cortland, 1081 Commons Avenue.
Arnot Health offers 3D mammography at the Horseheads Medical Office Building, 100 John Roemmelt Drive, (607) 739-0352; and the Health Center for Women, 600 Fitch Street, Elmira, (607) 795-8080.
