Is Mammography A Type Of Radiologic Imaging Used For Early...

Mammography is a type of radiologic imaging used â€Å"for early detection and diagnosis of breast disease in women† (American Cancer Society). Patients receive doses of radiation that are much larger than that of a chest x-ray. It is rarely noted, that the act, in and of itself, may contribute to the development of malignant cells. Dr. Samuel Epstein, one of the top cancer experts, explains that the premenopausal breast is highly sensitive to radiation, each 1 rad exposure increases breast cancer risk by about 1 percent. He goes on to say that a single bilateral mammography examination is directly linked with a lifetime risk of inducing fatal breast cancer† (Salazar). Consequentially, more and more women seem to be consuming radiologic†¦show more content†¦Age is an important factor to consider because studies have shown that â€Å"the premenopausal breast is highly sensitive to ionizing radiation† (American Cancer Society). Ultimately, clinical care sho uld continue to be provided to women of all ethnicities, breast types and ages to ensure that as many breast tumors as possible are diagnosed by the most effective screening tool today, which is mammography. Given that breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in women, it is key that one considers the risks yet continues to get examined. Imagine having one or both of your breasts taken out, as well as suffering through weakening radiation treatments and toxic drugs, only to later find out that you never had cancer. This situation happens a lot more often than people think. Many women deal with terrifying false breast cancer diagnoses. Dr. Shahla Masood, the director of the pathology department at the University of Florida, told the New York Times that â€Å"there are studies showing that diagnosing breast lesions occasionally comes down to the flip of a coin† because early stage cancers are so difficult to diagnose (Quanstrum). Naturally, upon receiving frightening news that one might have cancer, it is highly likely for women to become desperate. Women will do whatever it takes to fight and remove the cancer. â€Å"In the conventional medical arena, typically this means full or partial mastectomy, drugs and radiation† (Miller). If the patient tests