Mammography

Basic Facts About Mammograms• Simply put, a mammogram is just an x-ray taken of the breast tissues in the body.• Mammograms require that a breast be flattened to take the image. This allows the image to be more clear. • Improvements are being made in mammography; therefore the amount of radiation being used to generate mammograms is much less than it has been in previous years.

Difference Between Screening And Diagnostic Mammograms• A screening mammogram is an examination that is supposed to be routine. It is the equivalent of a checkup with your doctor only this checkup is specifically for breast tissue.•A diagnostic mammogram is taken when an individual has breasts with abnormalities or some other breast related issue and the person needs to know the source of the problem.

How To Become A Mammogram Technician• In most cases, either an individual’s place of employment or even their state will require that a person wishing to become a mammogram technician must first receive certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (abbreviated ARRT).• If the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists has certified an individual, then that person will need to receive a certificate allowing them to specialize in mammography.•Furthermore, some states may require licenses to practice mammography.

What Are The Benefits Of Becoming A Mammogram Technician?• As with any job, specialization opens up more prospects in your career field.• There are financial benefits.• Also, as is always true in the health field, you have more opportunities to help and connect with patients.

A Closer Look At Breast Cancer• One out of every 8 women will be affected by breast cancer.• This cancer affects more women than any other cancer and is 2nd most prevalent cause of death in women.• Not common in men, but men are still at risk of developing breast cancer.

What Increases The Chances Of Getting Breast Cancer?• Being over the average weight • Excessive intake of alcohol• Inadequate amounts of sleep• Even your ethnicity affects your chances of getting breast cancer

How Do The Risks Apply To Different Races?

Some races are more at risk than others. For instance, white women and black women are more likely to develop breast cancer than Hispanic women because (at least partly because) white/black women have children later and don’t always breast feed. These two factors are some of many that play a role in why breast cancer affects women in some races more than others.

Screening Statistics For Different Races

Black White Native American Asian

73.2 72.8

69.4

64.1

Who Gets Mammograms?

Race

Percentage

When Should Screening Begin?• According to various sources, a woman should start getting mammograms at age 40.• Furthermore, routine breast exams should begin at age 20.

How Often Are Screenings Necessary?

Mammograms: At age 40, mammograms should be performed every year

Breast Exams: Every 3 years starting at 20

Breast Exams: Every 1-3 years starting at age 25

Ways To Reduce The Risk Of Developing Breast Cancer • Follow a healthy diet.• Stay at a weight that is considered healthy.• Don’t drink excessive alcohol.• Sleep well• Perform routine physical activity• If you have the option, breastfeeding your children reduces your risks of getting breast cancer.

What To Do If Breast Cancer Is Diagnosed• Don’t try to face it alone. Look to your family, friends, and others facing similar situations by going to support groups, etc. • Take control and start actively pursuing treatment options with your doctor.

Survival RatesStage 0 Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage3 Stage 4

100% 100% 93% 72% 22%

Finding The Cure As everyone knows, many foundations are searching for the cure for all cancers. However, a lot of the research is focused on curing breast cancer specifically because it affects so many women worldwide. As of yet, there is no known cure for cancer but the untiring efforts of researchers will hopefully be successful in the future.

Importance Of Mammography To Ending Breast Cancer

Mammograms help detect breast cancer earlier

As of now, the best means of ending cancer is early detection and that is why mammography is highly valued in medicine today.

References Becoming a Mammogram Technician: Job Description & Salary Info

http://learningpath.org/articles/Mammogram_Technician_Career_Overview.html

Breast Cancer Facts :: The National Breast Cancer Foundation (www.nationalbreastcancer.org) http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts

Breast Cancer Screening Rates (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/screening.htm

Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations for Women at Average Risk | Susan G. Komen® (Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations for Women at Average Risk | Susan G. Komen®)

http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastCancerScreeningforWomenatAverageRisk.html

Breast Cancer - Statistics (Cancer.Net) http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/breast-cancer/statistics

Breast cancer survival rates, by stage (Breast cancer survival rates, by stage) http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-survival-by-stage

References Coping with Diagnosis (Coping with Diagnosis)

http://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/MainMenu/About-Cancer/Newly-Diagnosed/Coping-with-Diagnosis.html

July 2003: Breast Cancer Screening: Diagnostic vs. screening mammograms? (Breastcancer.org) http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/ask_expert/question_02

Mammography: MedlinePlus (U.S National Library of Medicine) https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mammography.html

Race, Ethnicity, and Breast Cancer | Susan G. Komen® (Race, Ethnicity, and Breast Cancer | Susan G. Komen®) http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/RaceampEthnicity.html

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Breast Cancer? (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/prevention.htm

What is a mammogram? (What is a mammogram?) http://www.cancer.org/treatment/understandingyourdiagnosis/examsandtestdescriptio ns/mammogramsandotherbreastimagingprocedures/mammograms-and-other-breast- imaging-procedures-what-is-mammogram