How to test for breast cancer?

Have you just received a letter in the mail from the National Health Service (NVD) inviting You for a yearly breast screening and do not know what to do? Or maybe your breast health has always been an anxious topic for You and you don't know what to ask your doctor? Don’t worry, the terminology of the different forms of breast exams and screenings can indeed get a bit complex, but there is no reason to worry. Continue reading to find out the difference between a mammogram and MRI as well as at what age You should go in for your first prophylactic breast screening.

Mammography

A mammography is one of the most common and effective currently available screening tests for breast cancer that allows to diagnose cancer at an early stage alongside finding other breast abnormalities. Using low intensity x-rays, a 2D or an advanced 3D picture is taken that is able to accurately detect and help diagnose even the tiniest changes in breast tissue, such as cysts, benign and malignant tumours. More on the various types of cancer tumours can be found here.

A mammography is usually performed with the patient standing up and the breast is placed between two x-ray plates, allowing to capture all angles necessary for a multidimensional photo. The same procedure is then repeated with the other breast. During the mammogram slight pressure is applied to the breasts, which for some more sensitive women can result in an uncomfortable feeling, however it is largely momentary. At no point should a mammography feel painful and in case it does immediately let the specialist performing the examination know as soon as possible. In total an x-ray creation can take up to 2 min per breast, with the whole appointment lasting no longer than 20 minutes on average.

A mammogram is not a dangerous procedure due to the very minimal intensity of the x-rays that are used. With that in mind, any exposure to x-ray radiation during pregnancy is ill-advised.

Who is a mammography performed on?

It is recommended to receive your first mammography at the age of 40 and from there a prophylactic screening every two years. For women aged 50-69 with increased risk of developing breast cancer the government offers a paid mammography screening every 2 years. If you have received an invitation letter from the National Health Service (NVD) in regards to the breast screening, please give it a thorough read and get in contact to book your free mammography appointment. Here you can find the closest medical establishment to you, that performs state-funded mammography screenings both in Riga and other regions of Latvia. For young women under the age of 40, a mammogram, similarly as an MRI, is performed when further inquiry of a diagnosis is necessary or a certain pathology is already found. If You have first- or second-degree relatives with a history of cancer or after a genetic test have found a gene mutation that exposes you to a greater risk of developing breast cancer, it is recommended for You to attend a yearly prophylaxis screening.

Breast ultrasound

A breast ultrasound is a harmless and painless imaging examination technique that is very quick and informative. Serving as a visual diagnostic tool, a breast ultrasound helps assess the structure of the soft tissue of the organs in our bodies. An ultrasound is rarely used as a primary diagnostic tool when it comes to breast cancer screening but is very effective for screening in young women, during pregnancy, women who are currently breastfeeding and for women with small breasts. An ultrasound is often used adjacent to other tests, such as a mammogram, to gain more precise and definitive results on the possible formations in the breast tissue.

A breast ultrasound is conducted in a lying position, fully exposing the breast of any clothing. A special gel is applied to the skin which allows for better conduction of the ultrasound waves. During a breast ultrasound, a probe is placed on the skin of your breast and the surrounding armpit area. The probe sends high-frequency sound waves into your breast, which bounce off the tissue and return to the probe as echo waves. The echo waves are then converted to the images you see on the screen of the ultrasound machine.

There has been no found negative impact of ultrasound examinations on the human organism. The intensity of the radiation is so insignificant that the screening is considered completely safe.

Who is a breast ultrasound performed on?

A breast ultrasound as a screening method is most appropriate for young women under the age of 40 because young women tend to have more dense glandular breast tissue that tends to interfere with seeing both the benign and malignant formations found during a mammogram. Additionally considering that an ultrasound uses sound waves instead of x-ray radiation this screening can also be performed on pregnant women. Further the breast ultrasound diagnostic method allows to distinguish between tumors and cysts found in the mammary glands helping significantly in accurate diagnosis. Breast ultrasound is a relatively cheap diagnostic tool, which allows for it to be easily repeated if necessary, giving a higher chance of finding the tumor at an earlier stage. An ultrasound is most commonly performed after a mammogram, therefore consult with your doctor, if You think that an ultrasound is a necessary prophylactic measure for you.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a one of the most precise and accurate screening procedures that uses a magnet, radio waves and a computer to make a series of detailed images inside the body. An MR is most often conducted in cases where the data from the mammography or ultrasounds has not been enough, and the patient is predisposed to developing breast cancer. If a cancer is located with the help of an MR the exact amount and size of the tumours can be determined alongside with the most effective chemotherapy treatment. You can be forwarded to receive an MRI only from a specialist, such as an oncologist, surgeon or gynecologist. Another large patient group in need of breast MRI screening, are women who have increased risk of breast cancer, including the exposure to several risk factors. If You happen to have a first or secondary relative with a history of breast cancer or find out about a possible gene change, such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2, you may be advised to go for an MRI to receive further examination.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a painless and safe procedure, however it cannot be done on people with cardiostimulator, neurostimulators, Cochlear implants, heart valve prosthetics and people who experience claustrophobia.

It is no secret that the shape, size and feel of breasts changes constantly throughout our lifetimes depending on the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, individual behaviour etc. This is only natural, but that makes the irregular changes that much harder to notice. By getting tested regularly, educating yourself on the symptoms and performing monthly self-examinations You are not letting those changes catch you of guard. Remember knowledge goes hand in hand with prevention so do your research and get tested!

Having breast exams on a regular basis can help detect breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. Getting the appropriate tests for You, depending on your age, risk factors and previous screening results is crucial in receiving the most accurate results, leaving you confident in your health and protected from late diagnoses. You know your body best, that’s why it’s important to notice even the smallest changes and know when to turn for help if something seems off.