Mammograms and early detection

We often hear that early detection is the best medicine, but how well do we understand the medical science behind it? Shilpi Gupta, MD, a breast medical oncologist at Atlantic Health System, explains the importance of breast screening and how it truly saves lives.

Rising cancer statistics

The American Cancer Society estimates over 2 million cancer diagnoses across the United States in 2024, with more than 610,000 cancer-related deaths.

“These numbers are staggering and humbling. And we are seeing an increased number of cancers in our younger population, less than 50 years of age,” says Dr. Gupta. “Breast cancer remains the single highest reason for cancer-related mortality in women younger than 49 years of age.”

But there is good news. “Atlantic Health System has tools in place to help our friends, family members, sisters and other people we care about have early detection — and early diagnosis — to save their lives. We’re not powerless here,” she says.

Breast cancer and early detection

“Early diagnosis of breast cancer is actually lifesaving because we are finding it at a very early point,” explains Dr. Gupta. “We are treating it at the appropriate stage, and we are truly saving lives as a result.”

Screening saves lives by detecting cancer, as well as pre-cancerous findings, earlier than someone might feel it during a self-exam. That early detection is key because it allows time to intervene before pre-cancerous cells may progress into cancer, and before those cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body.

Mammogram screening and diagnostic tests

Tests for breast cancer can be either screening or diagnostic. A screening mammogram is a test performed before there are any symptoms of cancer.

“By the time we feel a lump or a mass or have a breast finding from mammography, it’s no longer a screening — that’s a diagnostic test,” Dr. Gupta explains. “Screening is done in the complete absence of a symptom because we are trying to get one step ahead of it. Screening is to make sure that we are OK for now and for the future.”

Scheduling a mammogram

Referrals aren’t needed for a mammogram screening. From the Atlantic Health System website, you can schedule a screening mammogram online. However, talk with your doctor about when and how often you need a screening — typically once a year beginning at age 40, but it varies.

“Some women need to start screening early on. It depends on family history, personal history and genetic history, which can increase your risk for breast cancer,” Dr. Gupta says. “For some of our high-risk patients, we don’t stop at just a mammogram. You also may need a breast ultrasound or even a breast MRI.”

If you notice any changes in your breasts or feel a lump, don’t wait for your next routine screening — contact your provider right away.

“It’s always good to have your provider answer your concerns and fears,” she says. “If there is any concerning finding on the screening mammogram, the patients automatically get referred to providers who can help them navigate the process. It’s scary. It’s an unknown world suddenly, but there are tools in place for you. We have radiology navigators to guide patients on next steps. Our providers have a wealth of information and resources we can tap into.”

The latest diagnostic tools

The newest form of early detection — digital breast tomosynthesis, or 3-D ultrasound — collects fewer images and gets higher quality results in less time.

“It’s much better at picking up high-risk lesions versus something benign, especially when you are young and have dense breast tissue. Oftentimes, with a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound, we learn [the suspicious mass] is breast tissue, nothing to worry about.”