Mammograms and breast screening

[Jae]

@Jae You realize that men get breast cancer too I hope.....

Yes. It is more rare.

 

[ChemGal]

Interestingly enough, my sister informed me yesterday that she was having "thermography" to detect for breast cancer. She said her doctor recommended it for her because she has "dense breasts" . It's painless and doesn't use radiation.
Quite frankly I hadn't heard of it so I looked it up, seems it isn't the best way to diagnose breast cancer and is not recommended by the Canadian Cancer Society.

Canadian Cancer Society's perspective on thermography - Canadian

Thermography has a high false negative rate which means not detecting cancer when it actually is present:

Mammography vs. thermography: Comparing the benefits

I've heard of it. Pushed by quite a few pseudoscience practitioners. Which isn't to say there's no science behind using thermography for mammograms, but in general the accuracy of it lags behind mammograms. I could see it being beneficial as a supplement to mammograms or in a situation where a mammogram isn't feasible for whatever reason.
I have never looked into any studies on it, but just knowing the technology, I would guess MRIs would be an accurate tool. Unfortunately cost is an issue - both in terms of the magnets, as well as time and staff.

 

[Pinga]

Tabitha, just catching up on your note. I am thankful you are well, if still a bit wondering.

 

[Carolla]

Dr's office called this morning. Message is that all is ok and to have another mammogram in 6 months. I'm mostly but not entirely relieved. I wonder what they saw and why they want to see if it changes in 6 month? I was on every other year or so.

Any chance of calling back to the clinic to speak to the radiologist for explanation?

 

[Jae]

Yes. It is more rare.

I'll ask my doctor about it though, see what she says. With guys, the bigger concern is the prostate. She already checks that from time to time.

 

[Pinga]

Great question, @Carolla

 

[ChemGal]

Any chance of calling back to the clinic to speak to the radiologist for explanation?

Will they do that? Any diagnostic stuff I had zero info given during in terms of what could be seen. All answers always given by my doctor, not a radiologist.

 

[KayTheCurler]

When I had a call back situation I was told -the machines in the mobile clinic are good, but the regular ones are better. The mobile staff read the images and flag everything that looks a bit different and send people for a follow up to be sure. After follow up mammograms and ultra sounds in a small city I was sent for a biopsy at the breast cancer clinic in a bigger city. There I was told that everything was good - and confirmed my belief that it is all a trust issue and I have no option but to trust their diagnosis! Several deep breaths and -

Keep Calm and Carry On!

 

[Tabitha]

Really folks the mobile clinic machine is fine. It is the same caliber as the hospital one.
No Carolla, I do not even know the radiologist's name. It was at the hospital-not a clinic. I will follow up with my GP and probably ask him for a copy of the report.

 

[Delightful Life]

egads
i have enough problems with them getting bruised on door jambs...silly dumb things lol

 

[Tabitha]

and the result was I was told it was suspicious to follow up in 6 months and repeat tests but not to worry.

 

[Tabitha]

So apparently it is 6 months. Received calls both from the hospital and dr. while in ON. I have mammogram and ultrasound test tomorrow. Only wrinkle is that it is same day/time as my youngest's follow up apt from his Lazer eye surgery-in a different city. So will take him up today and he will overnight with his brother.

 

[BetteTheRed]

Good solution, Tab.

Between this and a scary story from my neighbour across the street, guess I'd better complete my three-year-delayed mammogram...

 

[Lastpointe]

Fingers crossed all is well. Breast tissue fat can dramatically affect results. Less accurate in young women

Best wishes

 

[KayTheCurler]

BetteTheRed - PLEASE hustle your butt into the correct place for your overdue mammogram!

 

[Delightful Life]

Do they give treats and manicures?
Or is it all just aboot the icy smooshing?

 

[BetteTheRed]

BetteTheRed - PLEASE hustle your butt into the correct place for your overdue mammogram!

I will. I'm pretty good about 'real' risks. No breast cancer in my family, either side. Fair bit of bowel/colon, though, so I'm immaculate at getting my colonoscopies on time (because of risk factors and polyps, I'm on the perpetual five year plan).

 

[BetteTheRed]

But the scary story from my neighbour across the road was just that - scary. She was in for her regular mammogram in December and got the all clear. This spring a lump appeared from nowhere, and turns out that she's got liver cancer, which has metastasized to breast. s**tty news, and she was doing the right thing...

 

[Carolla]

Well yes ... doing the right thing is good, and helpful, but not foolproof. Sad to hear this news - and yes, get thee to the mammo!

 

[KayTheCurler]

My sympathy to your neighbour who got totally unexpected news. Taking care, doing the best you can doesn't always prevent health problems.