Technology plays a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer. Unlike 2D mammograms, which take four photos, the new 3D mammography technology is able to take 300 photos in four seconds and penetrate dense tissue, according to Dr. Jill Enter, general surgeon at Aiken Surgical Associates.
“It makes a compact disc selection of 300 images of the breast, allowing the radiologist to move better through that dense breast tissue and decreases the amount of false positives we have. Allowing early detection of breast cancer.” He indicated, “Enter said.
Enter said he frequently performs breast cancer surgeries, since most of his female patients seem to prefer a doctor in the area of breast health.
Even with the constant improvements in medical technology, patient education and disease awareness are key in the battle against breast cancer.
“It’s always changing,” Enter said. “Even in the last 10 years since I’ve been in private practice, it has changed radically.”
Women need to have self-exams more often, since breast cancer usually presents as a small lump in the breast. Women at risk of the disease should also pay more attention to their family history, especially on the side of their father.
“Fifty percent of his genetics also comes from his father’s side,” Enter said. “Breast cancer is not just a female issue.”
Regular mammograms are extremely important, and patients with a family history of breast cancer should begin screening tests several years before age 40, when most patients have their first mammogram scheduled.
