Breast Cancer Screening Specialist

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer can affect both women and men, however, it is significantly more common among women. In fact, aside from certain types of skin cancer, it is the most prevalent type of cancer afflicting women of all ethnicities and races. About one in eight (12%) of women in this country will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, according to Breast Cancer.Org.

Who is at greatest risk for developing breast cancer?

Women who have inherited the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and those with incidents of breast cancer in their immediate family, are at increased risk for developing the disease. Age is also a factor. Most cases are diagnosed in women over age 50. Other factors include: having your first pregnancy at age 30 or older or never having a full-term pregnancy, being inactive and being overweight.

What tests are used to screen for breast cancer?

Breast cancer screening tests include:

• Breast exam. Every routine wellness exam at Center for Women’s Health includes a physical breast exam, in which Dr. Chowdhury checks both breasts and lymph nodes in the armpit, to feel for any lumps or abnormalities.

• Mammogram. This is a breast X-ray and can reveal abnormalities in the tissue before a lump can be felt. Current guidelines advise women between ages 40 and 44 to consult with their doctor as to whether they should have a mammogram. Women between ages 45 and 54 are recommended to have a mammogram annually, while those over age 55 should have the screening every other year. Women who are at an increased risk of breast cancer may be advised to have earlier or more frequent mammograms.

• Breast ultrasound. An ultrasound utilizes sound waves to display images of structures deep in the breast. This technology can help distinguish whether a mass seen on a mammogram is a cyst full of fluid or a potentially cancerous tumor. An ultrasound is often ordered when a new lump is discovered.

• Biopsy.  A biopsy is a test in which a small piece of tissue or fluid is removed from a suspicious area of the breast and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer.

• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI is a machine that uses a magnet and radio waves to produce detailed, three-dimensional images of the interior of the breast. Prior to the procedure dye is injected into the breast to extenuate contrast in the pictures.