Although breast pain can be worrying as well as uncomfortable, it is not typically a sign of breast cancer. The most common cause of painful breasts is a fluctuation in hormones, but a number of other conditions can also be at the root of the problem. Read on to better understand what may be causing your pain and when to consult your doctor.

Why does breast density matter?

Beginning this year, all mammography reports in Iowa must contain information about the patient’s breast density and, for patients with dense breasts, information about how density relates to breast cancer risk and screening. As a result, many women are now seeing this information on their mammography reports for the first time. If you’re among them, it’s likely that you have some questions about what it means.

When and how often should women get mammograms?

Iowa Radiology follows the guidelines set out by the American College of Radiology (ACR), which recommends beginning annual mammography screening at age 40. Research has shown that this screening regimen is associated with saving the most lives and the greatest number of life years. The ACR does not set an upper age limit for mammography, advising women to continue screening for as long as they are healthy and wish to remain so.^[1]

Most people are familiar with transdermal ultrasound exams, during which the ultrasound transducer is passed over the surface of the skin to produce images of internal structures. To assess issues related to the female reproductive system, however, doctors sometimes recommend a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). This procedure involves placing a specially designed transducer into the vagina to produce clearer images for the assessment of some conditions. 

If your doctor recommends an MRI, it’s important to understand both the value of the procedure to your health care plan and the risks it may pose. Below are the basics you should know about MRI before you come to your imaging appointment.

Many women experience pelvic pain during their lives. Often, this is a predictable aspect of menstruation. However, persistent pelvic pain that’s not related to the menstrual cycle can have a wide range of causes, including conditions related to the bowels, urinary tract, and reproductive organs. To investigate the cause of chronic pelvic pain, doctors commonly conduct a physical exam and recommend lab and/or imaging tests.^[1] One common cause is a condition known as pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) or ovarian vein reflux.

When you look at mammography or ultrasound images, you might wonder how radiologists make any sense of them. How can they identify potential cancers in those Rorschach tests of gray and white? While even the most advanced imaging technology doesn’t allow radiologists to identify cancer with certainty, it does give them some strong clues about what deserves a closer look. Today we’ll discuss a few things that radiologists are on the lookout for when examining mammography and breast ultrasound images.

Since 1994, the U.S. has recognized National Men’s Health Week in order to raise awareness of preventable disease in men and boys as well as the benefits of early detection and treatment. The joint resolution that established this designation cited the threat of cancers and other diseases and recognized that men tend to visit their doctors less often than women. In 2002, representatives from six leading men’s health groups from various nations came together and agreed to launch International Men’s Health Week. Each year, health care providers and policy makers around the world work to encourage men and boys to get regular checkups and care for their health.

National Cancer Survivors Day, recognized on the first Sunday in June, is an annual celebration of life for those who have been touched by cancer. It’s a time for cancer survivors to connect, celebrate victories, and raise awareness of the need for resources and support after cancer treatment.

No!

Worry is understandable. You were probably expecting the standard letter in the mail saying your mammogram was normal, but instead, you got a call from your doctor. Take a deep breath, and understand that the vast majority of mammography follow up does not result in a cancer diagnosis. In fact, more than one in ten women may be called back after a screening mammogram,^[1] but fewer than one in ten of those women are found to actually have cancer.^[2]