Why is breast ultrasound a must-have test in every woman's preventive care?

Why is breast ultrasound a mandatory test for women?

In Poland, despite numerous social, educational and promotional campaigns, there are still thousands of cases of breast cancer that could have been detected at an early stage. What stands in the way? It is still often a lack of knowledge about prevention and diagnosis. Regular breast ultrasound and other imaging tests can save lives, and education in this area is the key to health. 

Breast ultrasound versus mammography - how do the tests differ?

Many people are not aware of the difference between breast ultrasound and mammography, but they are two different tests that complement each other.

Breast ultrasound - basic examination

Breast ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic method using ultrasound. It is completely safe, which means it can be performed regularly without time limits. The test is particularly effective in younger women who have dense glandular tissue, as ultrasound allows accurate imaging of changes that may be difficult to detect by other methods.

Mammography - a complementary test for women over 40 years of age

Mammography uses X-rays to detect microcalcifications that may indicate cancerous changes. Due to the greater invasiveness of this method, it is recommended for women over 40 and is performed no more often than once every two years. Mammography is effective for women with less dense breast tissue, as it allows more accurate imaging of the internal structures of the breast.

The combination of the two tests allows for comprehensive diagnosis. Ultrasound is better at detecting changes in glandular tissue, while mammography is more effective at detecting small calcifications. Using the combined methods increases the chances of detecting breast cancer early and implementing effective treatment.

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Why is it important to have regular breast examinations?

Regular monitoring of breast health is the most effective cancer prevention. Breast examination at home is only the first step - regular visits to the doctor and professional diagnosis are equally important. Breast self-examination should be performed once a month, preferably in the first half of the cycle, when the breasts are less swollen. Attention should be paid to:

• The presence of nodules or thickening,
• changes in the shape of the breasts,
• enlargement of lymph nodes under the armpits,
• Skin changes, such as redness, wrinkling of the skin or swelling,
• changes in the nipples, such as their retraction or leakage.

If any of the listed changes are noticed, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. It is worth remembering that self-examination is not a substitute for visiting a specialist. Only a doctor can accurately assess the condition of the breast and order appropriate imaging tests. Even in the absence of any symptoms, it is worth undergoing regular preventive examinations.

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How often to perform a breast ultrasound?

The frequency of breast ultrasound depends on the patient's age and health history.

• After the age of 20, it is recommended that the test be performed once every two years.
• After the age of 30, the test should be performed at least once a year.
• After the age of 40, breast ultrasounds should be performed every six months, and mammograms should be performed every two years in addition.

Patients with a family history of breast cancer should have an ultrasound twice as often as the recommended norm.

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How to prepare for a breast ultrasound?

For the test to be accurate, it is best to perform it in the first 12 days of the cycle, when the breasts are less swollen and tender. Before visiting a gynecologist or radiologist, do not use perfume, deodorant or lotions around the breasts and armpits, as these can interfere with the results. As with any standard visit to a specialist, you will need information about your menstrual cycle history, past pregnancies, use of hormonal medications and previous breast examination results.

Although breast ultrasound is a safe and widely available test, its effectiveness largely depends on the experience of the doctor. The specialist should be experienced in breast diagnosis, which increases the chances of correctly identifying changes and evaluating them appropriately. It is also advisable to be examined by a single doctor, who will thus gain the opportunity to compare current results with previous ones, which will allow better monitoring of any changes occurring in the breast tissues.

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FAQ

Is a breast ultrasound painful?

No, breast ultrasound is a completely painless and safe examination. It can even be performed in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Is breast self-examination enough as prevention?

Breast self-examination is an important part of prevention, but it is not a substitute for visiting a doctor and professional diagnostics, namely ultrasound and mammography. Self-examination allows early detection of changes, which in any case should be consulted with a specialist.

Can breast ultrasound be performed during pregnancy?

Yes, breast ultrasound is completely safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women because it does not use X-rays.

Why is it important to choose an experienced doctor to perform a breast ultrasound?

An experienced radiologist specializing in breast diagnosis can not only perform the examination correctly, but also accurately interpret the results. The constant care of a single specialist allows monitoring of any changes over time.

Can a breast ultrasound be performed prophylactically without a referral from a doctor?

Yes, breast ultrasound can be performed without a referral. Regular examinations are recommended even in the absence of worrisome symptoms, as early detection of changes increases the chances of complete recovery.

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