Questions About the Disease are Best Answered by a Health Care Provider
Providing accurate and reliable information about breast cancer treatment, prevention, risk factors and more, is important for the health of communities across northeast and central Wisconsin, a breast cancer expert with ThedaCare said.
“Misinformation about mammograms and breast health can make people procrastinate,” said Dr. Demytra Mihailidis, an Oncologist with ThedaCare Cancer Care. She specializes in breast cancer treatment. “Part of our job is to debunk the many myths and inaccuracies surrounding breast cancer and encourage people to act to better manage their long-term breast health.”
Questions or concerns about breast health are best shared with a health care provider, Dr. Mihailidis advised. Such medical experts can help clarify misconceptions about breast self-exams, mammograms, thermograms and more.
“For example, women were taught for years to do monthly breast self-exams,” Dr. Mihailidis said. “In recent years, experts have changed the way they recommend breast self-exams because research hasn’t shown a clear benefit.”
The new recommendation is to focus on breast self-awareness.
“That means a person knowing what is normal for their breasts so they can notice even small changes right away,” Dr. Mihailidis said. “These can include lumps, skin irritation, swelling, nipple discharge or swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. It’s important to report any concerning changes to your health care provider.”
Clarifying breast health information, especially fact from fiction, may help save lives, Dr. Mihailidis said.
Mammogram Versus Thermogram
It’s a pervasive myth that breast compression and the amount of radiation used in a screening mammography can cause cancer or lead to the spread of cancer.
“This type of misinformation may keep people from seeking the necessary screenings needed to identify potential breast health issues,” Dr. Mihailidis said. “The National Cancer Institute said the benefits of finding cancer early far outweigh the risks.”
Another misconception suggests thermograms are an effective alternative to mammograms.
A thermography machine uses an infrared camera to detect temperature differences within a person’s breast tissue, Dr. Mihailidis explained. Anything causing an inflammatory response in the body may show up on a thermogram image as red or “hot.”
The Food and Drug Administration recommends against using thermography as a breast cancer diagnostic tool. The agency said the technology should be used in addition to a primary breast cancer screening test, such as mammography.
Thermography, which uses an infrared camera to detect temperature differences within breast tissue, does not detect cancer in its early stages.
Conversely, a mammogram is an X-ray of the breast tissue, Dr. Mihailidis said. Breast cancer, even in its very early stages, usually appears as a white mass on X-ray.
“There is no way to follow up on a ‘hot spot’ from a thermogram aside from getting a mammogram,” she said. “We recommend that women follow the screening guidelines of undergoing a mammogram either every year or every other based on their health care provider’s recommendations.”
Two Mammogram Types
There are two types of screening mammograms. Two-dimensional (2D) mammograms capture flat X-ray images. Three-dimensional (3D) types take many more images from several angles, all within a safe level of radiation. The mammogram process is the same for both.
“The 3D type is said to significantly improve breast cancer detection and can be especially helpful for people with dense breasts,” Dr. Mihailidis said. “A 3D mammogram also tends to reduce false positives so it may decrease number of biopsies we perform as well.”
ThedaCare offers 3D mammograms.
A mammogram may cause some discomfort stemming from the compression of breast tissue during the imaging process, Dr. Mihailidis acknowledged.
“The short-lived discomfort can be worth it for the peace of mind and early detection it can deliver,” she said. “Taking an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen about an hour before your mammogram may help.”
Reasons for Callbacks Vary
When a person receives a callback related to their mammogram, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong, Dr. Mihailidis explained. According to the American Cancer Society, fewer than one in 10 women who get called back for more tests are found to have cancer.
“Mammograms are designed to track breast changes over time so your first mammogram is especially important,” Dr. Mihailidis said. “You may be called back so the radiologist can get a clearer picture of your breasts. Other benign reasons for callbacks may be unclear images, areas of asymmetry, non-cancerous cysts or calcifications or dense breasts.”
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month winds down, a key takeaway to keep in mind is the importance of breast screenings and early detection, Dr. Mihailidis said.
“Recommendations vary by organization but women should begin screening mammograms by the age of 40,” she said. “Your health care provider can offer screening recommendations based on your health history and risk factors. Early detection is key. Prioritize your health with the simple step of completing mammograms as recommended.”
Visit Mammography and Breast Imaging to schedule a mammogram or for more information about breast screening options.
