Women's Health Diagnosis and Screening for Gynecologic Conditions There’s a lot to know about these important cancer-screening tests. Here’s a quiz to check your knowledge of the how, when and why of mammograms. An annual mammogram is recommended for: only women with a family history of breast cancer women over 21 women age 40 and over only women with breast cancer symptoms The correct answer is women age 40 and over These women should have a mammogram every year, even if they don’t have symptoms or a family history of breast cancer. And you don’t have to wait for your doctor to mention it — women can request a mammogram and make an appointment themselves. The American Cancer Society says women treated for early stage breast cancer have a five-year survival rate of: 27% 60% 80% 99% The correct answer is 99% Early detection is essential, and a mammogram can help detect cancer that’s too small for you to feel. Once breast cancer symptoms appear, such as a lump or discharge, it may mean the cancer is more advanced and harder to treat. The best way to avoid being exposed to an unsafe level of radiation during a mammogram is: ask for a protective lead apron go to a facility that is certified by regulating agencies avoid mammograms until age 65 The correct answer is go to a facility that is certified by regulating agencies Mammograms do expose you to small amounts of radiation, but not enough to require protective aprons or other equipment. The Food and Drug Administration carefully regulates the procedures and the Mammography Quality Standards Act and other safeguards help ensure your radiation exposure is within limits. 3-D mammography, or tomosynthesis, is characterized by: less clear images than standard, two-dimensional mammograms more false alarms in detecting cancer a 40% higher rate of detecting early cancer more confusion between normal tissue and breast cancer The correct answer is a 40% higher rate of detecting early cancer The improved clarity of 3-D mammograms makes it easier to tell the difference between normal breast tissue and breast cancer. This increases the chance of detecting early cancer, and at the same time, decreases the chance of a false alarm or an unnecessary call back for more testing. Which of the following statements is true about mammograms? Mammograms can help discover breast cancers when they are small and easier to treat. You don’t need a mammogram if you have had one with normal results within the last year. Mammograms find all breast cancers. The correct answer is Mammograms can help discover breast cancers when they are small and easier to treat. Although mammograms aren’t guaranteed to find every breast cancer, you should get a mammogram every year if you are age 40 or over, unless your doctor agrees you can skip it. Previous Next 6 Mammogram Myths
Gynecological Conditions
