MANKATO, Minn. ― Since the 1970s, mammograms have been shown to reduce the risk of dying of breast cancer and have saved countless lives.

"In the decades since early mammography was established, the emergence of new screening options go well beyond traditional mammography and have made great advancements in early detection," says Tara Krosch, M.D., regional vice chair of clinical practice for surgical specialties, Mayo Clinic Health System in Southwest Minnesota. "As we all know, early detection is key to the best patient outcomes, so it's vital that patients get their annual screenings."

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mayo Clinic Health System is encouraging people to talk to their healthcare team about the right screening options for them and to get those screenings scheduled. Here's what you need to know about the most common options and which might be best for you.

Mammogram

A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breasts used for diagnostic purposes, as well as to investigate symptoms or unusual findings on another type of imaging test.

During a mammogram, your breasts are compressed between two firm surfaces to spread the breast tissue. Then an X-ray captures black-and-white images that are displayed on a computer screen and examined by a radiologist for signs of cancer. A traditional mammogram creates two-dimensional images of the breast.

At Mayo Clinic Health System, healthcare teams offer screening mammography, beginning at 40, for women at average risk of breast cancer. Average risk of breast cancer means women with no family history of breast cancer and no other risk factors.

Digital breast tomosynthesis

This screening exam, also known as 3D mammography, has become a best practice in women's health for breast cancer-detecting technology. Breast tomosynthesis differs from traditional mammograms in how the image of the breast is obtained and, more importantly, viewed.

"Much like a traditional mammogram, a woman's breasts are compressed between two firm surfaces to spread the tissue, and a digital tomographic image is created, which a radiologist can view and closely examine," says Dr. Krosch. "The 3D mammograms help detect small calcifications, masses and other changes that may be signs of early cancer."

Molecular breast imaging

This procedure uses a radioactive tracer and a special camera to take pictures of the breast tissue.

During the molecular breast imaging (MBI) exam, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein in your arm. The tracer travels through your blood to your breast tissue. Cells growing quickly take up more of the tracer than slowly growing cells. Cancer cells often grow quickly and can be identified if they are taking up more of the tracer.

A special camera, called a gamma camera, detects the radiation released by the tracer. In the pictures made by the gamma camera, the cells that take up more of the tracer look brighter than the surrounding cells.

MBI provides the greatest benefit for women with dense breasts or intermediate breast cancer risk. As the density of breast tissue increases, the ability to detect breast cancer with screening mammography becomes more challenging. It's important to know that MBI does not replace, but is used in addition to, screening mammography for early breast cancer detection.

Breast MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast, also called a breast MRI, is used to evaluate breast cancer or to help healthcare teams determine the causes of other problems in the breast. A breast MRI also is recommended as a screening exam for women with an elevated lifetime risk of breast cancer, such as a strong family history of breast cancer, genetic risk or other factors.

A breast MRI uses powerful magnets, radiofrequency detectors and a computer to create high-detail images of the breasts. A breast MRI may be done after a biopsy shows cancer, as a screening exam or possibly to further investigate a breast finding. A breast MRI also can evaluate the extent of any cancer, as well as evaluate the other breast.

A breast MRI may be used with mammography as a screening tool for detecting breast cancer in some people. This includes people with a high risk of breast cancer. It also includes people with a strong family history of breast cancer or who have breast cancer gene changes passed down through the family, called an inherited gene.

"We encourage all women to talk with their healthcare teams about their personal risks for breast cancer, as well as the benefits and risks of each screening option," says Dr. Krosch. "We have a high-risk clinic right here in our Mankato Breast Clinic to help. For some, this helps to determine your best next steps in surveillance and ongoing options. Lastly, always be sure to bring the breast concerns you pick up on to your healthcare team."

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About Mayo Clinic Health System

Mayo Clinic Health System consists of clinics, hospitals and other facilities that serve the healthcare needs of people in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The community-based healthcare professionals, paired with the resources and expertise of Mayo Clinic, enable patients in the region to receive the highest-quality physical and virtual healthcare close to home.

Media contact:

Amanda Dyslin, Mayo Clinic Health System Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu.

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