Ultrasounds have their place, but they're not a substitute for routine breast cancer screening. When it comes to catching problems early, mammograms remain the more effective tool.
Article Highlights
- Mammograms remain the gold standard for breast cancer screening and are recommended annually starting at age 40.
- A mammogram can detect certain breast changes that ultrasound alone may miss, helping find cancer as early as possible.
- Mammograms are highly standardized, while ultrasound results can vary more based on the technician performing the exam.
- Breast ultrasound is an important follow-up tool, helping doctors evaluate suspicious findings seen on a mammogram and guide next steps such as biopsy.
If you already know the importance of catching breast cancer early, you may still be wondering which screening method is best: A mammogram or an ultrasound?
An ultrasound may sound less painful than a mammogram, but Dr. Rajul Mehta, breast radiologist at Houston Methodist, explains why the pressure of a mammogram is worth it in the video above.
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