Women Know Breast: A Discussion on New Developments in Breast Cancer Screening Techniques

Last week, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, I had the honor of attending an intimate discussion about recent developments in breast cancer research, sponsored by GE Healthcare. The conversation was held in conjunction with the Working Mother 2013 Work Life Congress in New York City. It was led by Hooman Hakami, president and CEO, Detection and Guidance Solutions for GE Healthcare, and featured a number of excellent panelists.

I was pleased that several amazing New York bloggers were able to join me for the event. You can read additional blog posts about the experience from Isabel at Alpha Mom, Monica at Macaroni Kid, Nicole at MomTrends, Penelope at Penelope’s Oasis, and Natalie and Jessica at Momma’s Gone City.

The information, research and insights the panelists shared were fascinating, and in many cases, quite startling. They told the group that 40 percent of women have dense breast tissue, which – on a regular mammogram – makes it difficult to identify tumors or potentially cancerous growths. In fact, regular mammograms are only 30 percent effective (so low!) on women with dense breast tissue.

Mammograms are not the only way to screen for breast cancer, but 90 percent of women with dense breast tissue don’t know they have other options, which include whole breast ultrasound and a technique developed by GE Healthcare, called Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM).

CESM uses contrast dye to highlight areas of unusual blood flow patterns. Higher blood flow to a particular area could indicate the presence of a tumor – in some cases, before it has even fully formed, and while it is in its most treatable phase.

Remember that you can advocate for yourself with your doctor! When you have a mammogram, ask if you have dense breast tissue, and if so, request an ultrasound or CESM. Although legislation in some states requires doctors to notify women that they have dense breast tissue, they are not legally obligated to counsel you on alternative screening options.

While there is no single test that will catch everything 100 percent of the time, you can use a combination of tests to make sure you are getting the best results and the most reliable care.

To learn more, you can visit the Are You Dense? website.