Newswise — By conducting a mammogram, a low-dose x-ray of the breasts, doctors can identify cancerous tumors well before a woman even feels a lump. According to the American Cancer Society, "Finding small breast cancers early by a screening mammogram greatly improves a woman's chance for successful treatment."
But mammograms are only as effective as their tools: results can be skewed if the machines don't meet federal guidelines.
How do you know if your mammography machine meets stringent federal Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) criteria? And how can you be sure the machine has passed its latest inspection?
The solution is easier than you think. Just ask.
Patients can request the certificate of inspection from the imaging center where they are having their scheduled mammogram, which is the only way to know if the machine passed muster and meets federal guidelines.
"If the center has failed inspection, the faulty equipment could compromise the mammography reading," says Joseph Daniels, imaging director of the Baylor Diagnostic Imaging Center at Craig Ranch and the Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano Women's Imaging Center. "If the imaging center can't produce a certificate from its most recent inspection, I would advise women to go elsewhere for their mammogram."
Daniels adds, "According to recent studies, it's especially important for women age 35 and older to have a mammogram done every year."
In addition, women with risk factors for breast cancer "such as family history of breast cancer—may need to begin having mammograms sooner.
He also advises that although mammograms are the most effective way to detect breast cancer, they remain only a component of an overall detection and prevention program.
"A clinical breast exam, which is an exam by a doctor, should be performed yearly, and women should continue to perform breast self-exams each month."
For more information about mammograms, Baylor Diagnostic Imaging Center at Craig Ranch or Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, visit www.BaylorHealth.com/Plano or call 1-800-4BAYLOR.
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