In many cases, women have signs and symptoms of breast cancer. In early-stage cases, women may have no symptoms at all. This is why participating in yearly screenings is very important.
Dr. Jill Steinkeler, Medical Director of Breast Imaging at Lowell General Hospital, discusses the importance of regular screening mammograms.
Screening mammograms
What type of mammography do you perform at Lowell General?
At Lowell General Hospital we perform 3D Mammography (also known as Tomosynthesis) at all of our breast imaging sites. This is a special type of state-of-the-art mammogram that has been shown to improve the detection of breast cancer and also reduce the number of patients who need to be called back for additional pictures.
Is a mammogram painful?
The breasts are briefly compressed during a mammogram in order to get good-quality pictures. Mild discomfort during compression is common, but the test is very quick and women tolerate the exam very well.
Learn more about: What to Expect from your Mammogram
Why do we recommend screening mammograms?
Screening mammography is the only imaging test that has been proven to save lives from Breast Cancer. The goal of mammography is to find cancers that can be detected early before a woman has symptoms when the cancer is most treatable.
Other benefits of having a mammogram:
- Mammograms can show that certain abnormalities are not worrisome
- Mammograms may show that a lesion is more suspicious and a biopsy is needed
- On the other hand, in some cases, a mammogram can also show that lesions are most likely benign (not cancerous)
When should a woman start having screening mammograms?
For women at average risk of developing breast cancer, we recommend annual screening mammograms starting at age 40. The most lives are saved when we starting mammogram screening at age 40 and perform the test once per year.
Read more about: When To Start Your Mammogram Screening and Mammography Age Recommendation FAQs.
What is a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment?
Breast cancer risk assessment is a way to determine if a woman might be at higher than average risk of developing breast cancer based on her personal and family risk factors. Every woman who has a mammogram at Lowell General Hospital completes a brief electronic questionnaire and is given a risk assessment.
If a woman is found to have increased risk for breast cancer, we offer the option of referral to Lowell General Hospital’s Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program for an outpatient office visit. Our Breast Health Care Team is comprised of breast surgeons, Breast Health Navigators, medical oncologists and breast imaging radiologists who work together to determine personalized breast cancer screening recommendations for each patient.
What if I missed my last screening appointment due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
While screening mammography is an elective exam, delaying screening has risks. Even a pause in screening by a few months will result in a delay of cancer detection in some patients. It is important to remember that early detection saves lives.
If you have missed your screening mammogram due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please come in as soon as possible to resume your screening. You do not need a physician referral or doctor’s order to get a screening mammogram.
Schedule your mammogram today at one of our three screening locations by calling 978.937.6023. For further information on safety precautions at Lowell General Hospital and Circle Health, visit Safe with Us.
