Comparing Traditional and New Breast Cancer Screening Methods

 Breast cancer remains to be the most common cancer occurring in women all around the world. In the fight against it, breast cancer screening methods have evolved. These advances have contributed a great deal to the early detection and subsequently treatment. This blog looks at traditional screening techniques by comparing them with new methods. On top of this, it explains how new screening techniques have aligned with campaigns towards awareness of breast cancer.

Traditional Screening Methods of Breast Cancer

1. Mammography

The most commonly known device for screening is mammography. This technique involves x-ray imaging of the breast to detect tumors or abnormalities within the breasts. The traditional mammograms had a crucial role in the early detection of cancer leading to decreased mortality from breast cancer. However, 2D standard mammograms are sometimes failure cases; small tumors tend to go undetected, especially in women with dense breasts.

2. Clinical Breast Exams (CBE) and Self-Exams

Clinical breast exams, conducted by healthcare providers and self-exams, were highly promoted through different breast cancer awareness campaigns. Although these methods are still promoted as routine care practice, studies have already proven that these methods alone cannot dramatically lower mortality so their use is not given much priority nowadays.

New Breast Cancer Screening Methods

1. 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)

While it is an improvement over the traditional mammogram, 3D mammography provides a layer view of tissue in the breast. The technology increases cancer detection rates in women whose breasts are considered denser and also reduces false positives, putting an end to unnecessary biopsies.

2. Ultrasound and MRI Screening

For instance, for women who are at a higher risk of developing cancer, such as those who have genetic predispositions, ultrasounds and MRIs have been recommended to be adopted hand in hand with mammograms. MRI screenings tend to image the breast more accurately with no radiation at all. However, they also tend to be more expensive and time-consuming.

3. Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI)

MBI is a relatively new screening modality that relies on an artificial tracer to make cancerous tissues stand out. It can offer detection capabilities of tumors not easily visualized by mammography, especially in dense breast tissue.

 

Awareness campaigns play an important role in promoting new screening options, like MBI, for the diagnosis and control of breast cancer.

Today's breast cancer campaigns have evolved beyond talking about mammograms. There is education now on the implementation of individualized screening tactics. The message now is to speak with a health provider to find out which one of these methods will best be suited for an individual based on risk factors.

Empowering Health with Breast Cancer Coach, LLC

Breast Cancer Coach, LLC is a coaching and support service for the prevention, diagnosis, and recovery of breast cancer. The company focuses education on holistic care and breast cancer screening methods and supports clients in making better health choices through lifestyle coaching and advocacy.