Mammograms play a critical role in early breast cancer detection, potentially saving lives through timely diagnosis. Annual screenings increase the chances of finding breast cancer early when it’s most treatable.
Award-Winning Care You Can Trust
At the Erminia Rivera Breast Imaging Center of Excellence at the Maimonides Cancer Center, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of breast health and cancer care, as evidenced by our numerous accreditations and awards:
- The first and most established Brooklyn-based program named an American College of Radiology (ACR) Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center of Excellence in mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and breast imaging-guided procedures.
- We are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), awarded only to breast cancer programs that address the full continuum of cancer care, from prevention to survivorship.
- Our Center has earned the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.
- Our certification by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) recognizes our team-based culture of quality and excellence, elevating our cancer care delivery to the highest possible level.
- We were honored with the Susan G. Komen Greater NYC Community Impact and Innovation Award.
What are Mammograms, and Why are They Important?
Mammograms are x-ray images of the breast. Healthcare providers use these minimally invasive tests to look for early signs of breast cancer. Mammograms can detect tumors too small to feel and find abnormalities that could be signs of cancer. Early detection through mammograms can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.
Why is it Important to Get Annual Mammograms?
Getting a mammogram every year helps doctors catch breast cancer early when it is most treatable. Regular screenings can spot changes in the breast tissue over time, helping to identify cancer at its earliest and most manageable stage.
What Is the Difference Between Screening and Diagnostic Mammograms?
Screening mammograms are a routine health check for your breasts. They look for signs of breast cancer in people without any new or concerning symptoms.
Diagnostic mammograms are requested for a more detailed investigation of a new or concerning clinical symptom, such as a new breast lump, for follow up of an existing issue as recommended by a breast health provider (for example, recent surgery or biopsy) and for further evaluation of an abnormality found on screening mammography. Diagnostic mammograms may involve more pictures than the standard four performed during screening and may include further evaluation with a breast ultrasound.
Who Should Get Mammograms and When?
The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) recommend annual mammogram screening beginning at age 40 for those of average risk. Recently, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) also amended their guidelines, now recommending annual screening mammography to begin at age 40 as well.
People with a higher risk may need to start screenings earlier, have them more frequently or use additional tests like breast MRIs alongside mammograms. It’s important to discuss your personal risk factors with your healthcare provider to determine the best screening schedule.
Who is at Risk for Breast Cancer?
Everyone can be at risk for breast cancer, but certain factors may increase the likelihood. These factors include:
- Advanced age
- Black women and women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
- Excess body weight
- Family history of breast cancer
- Female gender
- Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
- History of chest or mantle radiation before age 30
- Lifestyle factors like alcohol use and lack of physical activity
- Personal history of breast conditions
You should discuss your specific risk factors with a healthcare provider. Your provider can work with you to tailor a screening and prevention plan that meets your needs.
Who Should I Have a Breast Ultrasound?
Additional screening with breast ultrasound may be performed in those women with dense breasts. This increases the ability of radiologists to detect small, early-stage breast cancer, which may be hidden by overlapping dense breast tissue on mammograms. Dense breast tissue can only be seen on mammograms and is part of the report issued to your doctor. Breast ultrasound may also be performed as part of a more detailed diagnostic evaluation as determined by the radiologist.
Who Should Have a Diagnostic MRI?
For those at highest risk, a healthcare provider may suggest additional screenings like contrast-enhanced breast MRI – especially for people with:
- History of high-risk biopsies (such as atypia)
- Personal history of breast cancer diagnosed before age 50
Ultrasound technology offers an alternative option if you cannot undergo an MRI.
The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) emphasize the importance of early risk assessment, especially for Black women and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Black women face a higher incidence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, making their risk for breast cancer higher.
For women in these groups, ACR and SBI recommend beginning evaluations by age 30. Research shows higher mortality rates and an increased likelihood of aggressive breast cancers in these populations.
If you think you have a high breast cancer risk but aren’t sure, talk to your healthcare provider or schedule an appointment today.
Schedule Appointment
What are the Latest Technologies for Screening and Diagnosing Breast Cancer?
At the Erminia Rivera Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, our expert team uses the latest technologies and treatments to offer you the best possible outcomes from the moment of your diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship. Our advanced diagnostic technologies enhance accuracy, enabling us to detect more cancers while minimizing the need for additional screenings. The latest comprehensive screening and diagnostic technology we use includes:
- Mammogram (2D mammogram) – provides two-dimensional images to detect and diagnose breast abnormalities.
- Tomosynthesis (3D mammogram) – offers a multi-layered view of the breast, enhancing the detection of abnormalities.
- 3 T Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – provides high-resolution images for detailed examination of breast tissue.
- Breast ultrasound – uses sound waves to create images of the breast. Aids in further evaluation of abnormalities found during mammography.
- Minimally invasive breast biopsy – allows for the precise sampling of breast tissue with minimal discomfort.
- Prone table tomographic guided breast biopsy – uses advanced imaging to target and sample suspicious areas in the breast accurately.
- Lymph node biopsy – involves the removal of lymph node samples to determine if cancer has spread outside of the breast area.
What if I Don’t Have Insurance?
If you don’t have insurance, speak with your healthcare provider about the resources available at Maimonides. They can guide you through various programs and services to ensure you receive the necessary screenings and care.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
With breast cancer, you may have no symptoms in its early stages. This lack of signs makes regular exams and screening mammograms critical for early detection. Our dedicated team is at the forefront of combating this disease and providing community education on the importance of proactive screenings.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer may include:
- A lump or pain in the breast or armpit
- Any change in breast size or shape
- Breast swelling or thickening
- Changes to the nipple
- Discharge other than breast milk
- Skin changes on the breast or nipple
- Warmth or redness
If you notice any of these symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider or schedule an appointment today.
Schedule Appointment
Maimonides Commitment
The Erminia Rivera Breast Imaging Center of Excellence specialists are committed to guiding you through every step of your cancer care journey. Together, we fight breast cancer with expertise, compassion, and dedication, ensuring you receive award-winning care you can trust.
