Did you know that an estimated 310,720 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women this year? It’s the most common form of cancer in women behind skin cancers, but men are also not immune to this life-threatening disease—in fact, about one in every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are in men. While we’re nearing the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to talk about this issue year-round—read on to learn more about the crucial role radiologists play in screening for and diagnosing breast cancer.
When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month occurs every October and is meant to raise awareness of the disease that affects millions of people across the world every year.
The month was first celebrated in 1985, and since then, has proved to be an important campaign that has educated many people about the importance of preventative screenings and raised money for research.
What role do radiologists play in screening for breast cancer?
Radiologists play an incredibly important part in preventative screening for breast cancer by interpreting medical imaging. Some radiologists are breast radiologists, meaning they specialize in the screening and diagnosing of breast cancer.
One of the most common and effective ways to detect breast cancer is through mammograms, which are X-ray photos of the breast that are used to identify lumps and other potentially cancerous abnormalities.
Mammography technologists, otherwise known as mammographers, are the allied health professionals that conduct the procedure itself, preparing patients for the tests and operating the X-ray equipment to ensure clear images are taken. It’s after this step that radiologists do the majority of their critical work.
Radiologists are responsible for taking the images captured by mammographers and analyzing them, screening for areas that may indicate the presence of cancer. As part of their intense education and clinical training, radiologists know the difference between healthy and abnormal tissue.
Sometimes, further evaluation is needed and a radiologist needs to order other tests, such as an MRI or a breast ultrasound, to get a fuller picture of whether a patient has breast cancer. Radiologists also work as part of a comprehensive patient care team, working with surgeons and other medical professionals when biopsies are needed to confirm the presence of cancer.
How do radiologists act as an advocate for preventative screening?
Radiologists can be one of the most powerful advocates in the healthcare community for advocating for preventative screening against breast cancer. These medical professionals analyze medical images for disease on a daily basis and are some of the most knowledgeable about the importance of finding breast cancer early.
While radiologists do the everyday work of analyzing mammograms to detect signs of breast cancer, they are also an important educational resource for patients and the community at large about breast cancer screening procedures.
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