Breast screenings are an essential and integral part of women’s health. The screenings provide critical information about your breast health. Doctors also suggest that one should go for breast screenings for detailed information about changes in their breasts. It helps in the early detection of breast cancers, and therefore, mammograms are generally recommended for women above the age of 40 years.
In this article, we will understand why breast screenings are essential and why women should go for them regularly. There are various body imaging centers like Boise Body Imaging, where you can also get your breasts screened to detect any health issues.
What are the Types of Breast Screenings?
- Mammograms: It is one of the most significant numbers of breast screening methods, and most of the women are familiar with this screening. It is an X-ray that clearly shows the image of what is happening inside the breast, and you can find out whether there is an issue with it or not.
- Breast Ultrasound: This does not come under routine checkups. It is a follow-up test after mammograms if there is any defect detected in mammograms. For instance, if there are breast lumps, then you may have an ultrasound to determine the characteristics of abnormalities. These tests work with ultrasounds by emitting sound waves through the skin.
- Breast MRI: MRI is magnetic resonance imaging, which is advisable for women if they are at higher risk of breast cancer. This screening is also a follow-up of the mammogram test. MRI achieves a detailed 3D image of the breasts and their issues.
Who is a Higher Risk Patient?
- If a patient has a prior history of breast abnormalities or breast cancer
- Patients with dense breast tissues
- People who have breast radiation therapy before the age of 30
- Obese women
- Women who never breastfed
- Women who became pregnant after 30 or who did not have children
- Women begin menstruating before 13 and experience menopause after 51.
- Hormone replacement therapy
So, women with these issues are at a higher risk of breast issues, and therefore, they must opt for breast screenings and go for regular checkups. Breast health is a crucial aspect of the body, and therefore, it should not be ignored. Understanding and prioritizing breast health is essential for medical reasons as well as for your empowering journey as a whole. So, you must consult your doctor and go for regular screenings by mammograms so that you can detect any breast issues at the initial stages.