Breast Cancer Screening: When and Which Tests Are Needed
What is Breast Cancer Screening?
Breast cancer screenings are imaging tests conducted to check if the breast tissues have lumps or any signs of breast cancer. However, while screenings help point towards a possible presence of cancer, they cannot diagnose breast cancer. It takes a combination of tests and procedures to make this diagnosis reflect the true results.
Different Types of Tests Conducted to Diagnose For Breast Cancer
A radiologist conducts imaging tests to produce results of the breast tissue. These are then examined to diagnose breast cancer.
- Mammograms
Mammograms are the most common screenings for detecting breast cancer. Considered as gold standard for breast cancer detection, these use special X-rays to produce pictures of the breast tissue. In this procedure, the breasts are placed inside a flat plate or paddle and then compressed to make them flat. They are typically 2D or 3D. 3D mammograms tend to be clearer than the former. - Breast Ultrasound
If the radiology technologist comes across something irregular through a mammogram, he may suggest a breast ultrasound to see inside the breast tissue. In this procedure, a small handheld device is moved around the breast to scan it. The device releases sound waves through the breast tissue which are then converted into images. The radiologist/breast oncologist will then evaluate these images to detect tumour or cancer. - Breast MRI
This technique uses a magnet and radio waves. It is generally used if the individual is at a higher risk of cancer or if the mammogram results have come abnormal. Breast MRI creates clear pictures of the breast tissues to be evaluated by the healthcare provider. - Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI)
This technique uses radioactive tracer and a special gamma camera to detect cancerous cells inside the breast tissue. It works by lighting up areas where the cells appear abnormal or out of control. It is usually recommended for heavier breasts. - Non-Imaging Breast Exams
Non-imaging breast exams are self-aware techniques of detecting any kind of lumps or irregular growth in breasts. They are of two types:
- Clinical – When it is done under medical supervision where the provider feels area around your breasts to look for lumps or any changes
- Self-Exam – When it is done at personal level to evaluate lumps or irregularities in your breasts
How often should one get a screening depends on their risk assessment, which are in turn dependent on several factors like – family history of breast cancer, age, density of breasts or having a BRCA gene mutation. Once these risk factors are evaluated, the doctors can suggest when and how often should an individual get a breast cancer screening done. This would involve getting a mammogram or any other of aforementioned tests, as per the need and recommendation.
Best Breast Cancer Surgeons & Best Hospital for Breast Cancer Screenings, Diagnosis & Treatment
Yashoda Superspeciality Hospital & Cancer Institutes, Sanjay Nagar, Ghaziabad, is a beacon of skilled professionals who come with decades of stellar experience in the Indian Armed Forces and in the field of oncology. Our team of doctors have also served at some of the finest institutions in the nation.
Our dedicated Women’s Health, Breast Health and Breast Cancer Surgeon, Dr. (Surg Lt Cdr) Anushree Vartak – She is a Senior Consultant, Breast Surgical Oncology & Oncoplastic Surgery and comes with a vast experience in surgical oncology, comprehensive management of breast cancers, and evidencebased management of benign breast diseases, among other expertise of hers. Dr. Anushree Vartak is also a passionate advocate and aspires to be a breast cancer educator for the whole country to increase awareness and better diagnosis along with faster treatment on the subject.
Dr. (Maj.Gen.) Dharmesh S. Swaroop, Director, Medical Oncology, comes with over three decades of experience in the field of medicine, oncology and hospital leadership. He has served in senior roles at leading Armed Forces hospitals in India. His specialisations lie in malignancies of breast, gynaecological malignancies and GI malignancies.
You may reach out to us at the given toll-free number for bookings or appointment-related queries 98107 09038/0120-4612000.
