You Have Options

Released: Tuesday, October 6, 2009

By Devin Muller

In the recent months we have received an influx in applicants seeking “alternative” types of breast screenings or screenings other than mammography.

In my opinion, I believe we as a society should utilize any and all forms of screenings available to us.  This would include self breast examinations as no one knows your body the way you do. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, nearly 70 percent of all breast cancers are found through self-exams.  Mammography is still the “gold” standard among health care providers however, thermography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultra-sound are available screening tools as well.  

As published by the Institute of Medicine National Research Council National Cancer Policy Board in an article dated March 8, 2001,”no single imaging technology is capable of accurately detecting all breast abnormalities”.  Ultimately, the best detection may come from using several different tools.  For example, ultrasound and MRI have been shown to be potential adjuncts to mammography in diagnosis and screening, especially in getting a clearer picture of dense breast tissue in certain women.

So, remember to check your self monthly (you can find more information on our website here)  and schedule your annual breast screening.