Early Detection Of Breast Cancer—A Month Of Information

The month of October throughout the world is devoted to promoting the early detection of breast cancer, one of the most common cancers amongst women. In recent years it has been determined that 1 in 9 women is expected to develop breast cancer in her lifetime.  Early diagnosis adds significantly to the chances of a cure and recuperation.

During the month of October Hadassah will implement an extensive information campaign to heighten awareness of the importance of early testing and followup.  In recent years Hadassah has instituted new computer simulated tests that have resulted in new ways to detect growths, in addition to the use of mammography.

But mammography is still the only approved test for early detection of the breast cancer. Studies show a decrease in the mortality of up to 30% in the women that had regular mammograms.  It is recommended that women begin regular mammograms between the ages of 40-50.  The test needs to be done every year or two Years.

Notwithstanding, the chances that mammography will always catch early breast cancer are not identical for all women.  The sensitivity of mammography ranges between 69% to 90%.  The sensitivity of mammography can be low when breast tissue is dense, as is often the case in younger women, and this density is liable to conceal a growth.  In these cases new methods have been developed, among them digital mammography, ultrasound, and MRI.

The new approach for early detection and follow-up of women suffering from breast cancer is that early detection or follow up have to be matched to the risk level of the woman to develop breast cancer, and to the structure of her breast, as can be seen in mammography, with the combination of various imaging methods. It is also important to have multi disciplinary team work of the physicians treating breast cancer:  surgeon, radiologist and oncologist.

Digital Mammography

Hadassah is one of only three centers in the country using this new technology.  Digital technology provides a computerized processing of the picture and enables emphasis of results to improve the accuracy Of the test.  Likewise, it is possible to detect results like small calcifications, making further testing of the woman unnecessary.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound or a combination of ultrasound with mammography improves the chances of early detection of breast cancer.  Ultrasound testing makes it possible to discern between cysts and masses that are something else.  In some cases it is possible even to diagnose whether the mass is malignant or not. Ultrasound testing provides complete testing for women at risk for breast cancer, or those with dense breast tissue who cannot be served by mammography.  Ultrasound can also be used to direct biopsies of masses in the breast   Still, ultrasound itself does not always provide early detection of the breast cancer.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the latest tool in the arsenal of early detection. This is a non-invasive test that uses magnetic energy, without the radiation of X-ray.  This is the test that is felt to be most effective in the early detection of breast cancer.  The test is done by injecting material into the vein, then growths and abnormalities show as intensified coloration. In contrast to other forms of imaging of the breast, the MRI gives information about the supply of blood in the breast, indicating areas abnormal increases in blood supply. MRI testing excels in its high sensitivity that can achieve levels as high as 95% to 100%.