AdventistHealthPortland.org 3 It’s a fact: Mammograms save lives. These X-ray pictures of the breast can find signs of cancer early, before a woman feels any symptoms and when treatment is more likely to be successful. But which type of mammogram should you have? Why 3D matters There are two types of mammograms: 2D (twodimensional, or standard) and 3D (three-dimensional, also called digital breast tomosynthesis). 2D mammograms create images from two angles: top to bottom and side to side. 3D mammograms create images from several angles. Those additional angles allow the doctor to examine the breast tissue more clearly than with 2D. Both types of mammograms are safe and effective. However, research shows that 3D mammograms have some advantages. They can: ● Find more breast cancers. ● Be a good option for women with very dense breast tissue. ● Reduce the likelihood that a woman will be called back for additional testing. When to get screened The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer get screened regularly. ● Ages 40 to 44: Women may choose to begin having annual mammograms. ● Ages 45 to 54: Women should have annual mammograms. ● Ages 55 and up: Women may continue annual mammograms or switch to having them every other year. Things to keep in mind Mammograms can’t find every cancer. They might also find changes that look like cancer but turn out not to be cancerous after additional testing. Getting called back doesn’t always mean bad news. If something on the mammogram isn’t clear or looks suspicious, the doctor who read the mammogram Mammogram Benefits of a 3D will want a second look. That may mean another imaging test, like ultrasound, or even a biopsy. But in most cases, there’s nothing to worry about. “The most common mammogram finding is calcification,” says Frances Ting, MD, breast surgeon at Adventist Health Portland. Know how your breasts usually look and feel. Tell the technologist about any changes you have noticed, such as nipple discharge, pain or lumps. Also tell them if you have breast implants or a personal or family history of breast cancer. Skip the deodorant. Personal care products such as deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion and perfume can interfere with the mammogram. Source: American Cancer Society Take time to care for you To schedule a mammogram with our compassionate teams at our southeast Portland location or at Gresham Station, call 971-231-0017. SCAN ME
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2MTU5NA==