GERMANTOWN, Tenn. –“Early detection of Breast Cancer is a life saver. We have decreasedBreast Cancer mortality with screening mammography,” says Dr. JennyBoals.
She’s the medicaldirector at Methodist Le Bonheur’s Comprehensive Breast Center.
She says startingat age 40, women with an average risk should schedule regular, yearly mammograms.
However, if youhave an increased risk of breast cancer, like family history, or show symptoms,she says it’s better to get checked out sooner rather than later.
While the processmay seem a little overwhelming with unnerving factors, like a large machine ina dark room, or the anxiety of waiting, Dr. Boals says it’s actually quick andpainless.
When you go in toget screened the mammography machine will compress the breast tissue between aplastic curved paddle and a shelf.
Dr. Boalssaid, “Instead of having that sharp angle that goes against awoman’s chest wall, this curve mimics the curve of the breast. This curve ismuch more comfortable to have against the chest wall.”
The compressionallows the tissue to stay still so your doctor can get an accurate picture.
If you want toexplore other options aside from this screening, Dr. Boals says there’s also3-D screening available as well.
The accuracy ofthis option decreases a call back for more testing by 40%.
She said,“We’re not calling about things that aren’t real. So, that decreasesanxiety for women. It’s huge!”
If you are thinkingabout getting screened or maybe have some questions, give Methodist a call at901-516-9000.