Dr. Rachel Loomans responds to a question from a Rotarian during her presentation last Tuesday.  

 

The most important message was to get scheduled early for a breast exam and get screened.  Men, too, are susceptible to breast cancer, but the examination is not a usual part of male check-ups.  

 

Dr. Loomans shared some interesting statistics.  Seventy-five percent (75%) of women diagnosed with breast cancer between the ages of 50-74 had no identifying risk factors (including family history).  Current guidelines set  age 40 as the suggested age for  women without identifying risk factors to schedule the first mammogram.  One in 69 women in their 40s will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. 

 

A 3D mammogram provides the radiologist with a more thorough image to detect cancer that would otherwise be undetectable with a 2D mammogram. The x-rays create 1-mm thick layers so the radiologist can page through the layers.  DBT, or digital breast tomeosynthesis, creates 15-30% fewer false-positives, and the breast cancer detection rates are 30% improved over 2D exams.