Iowa Radiology Blog

Breast cancer screening is constantly evolving. Since mammography began to work its way into women’s health care in the 1950s, advances in technology have made it both safer and more effective. Today, women have more choices than ever for early detection of breast cancer. In this article, we will explore two different types of mammography: traditional two-dimensional mammography and breast tomosynthesis, more commonly known as 3-D mammography.

Habits are hard to change. Actions we repeat over and over become second nature, and we often do them without even thinking. This is helpful when it comes to things like daily hygiene rituals or driving a stick shift, but the force of habit can also make it difficult to change our behavior when we want to. If you’re thinking about starting a weight loss journey, the idea of making necessary lifestyle changes can be daunting; however, there are several ways you can set yourself up for success.

Are you struggling to lose those final few pounds? Losing weight certainly has its frustrating moments, and the last few pounds to reach your goal can be stubborn. But there is a lot that goes into losing weight and you're not alone if you've hit a slowing or stopping point. 

Let's look closer at what's going on.

Mammography is the most widely used and commonly recommended technology for breast imaging. The American College of Radiology and the Society for Breast Imaging recommend annual mammography screening for women at average risk of breast cancer beginning at age 40. In some instances, however, MRI or ultrasound imaging is recommended as a supplement to mammography.

Why are other imaging methods recommended?

Why calculate BMI?

BMI is a widely used measure because it’s easy, convenient, and non-invasive. Anyone can quickly calculate their BMI at home with no information other than their current height and weight. You can calculate it yourself using a formula, or you can use any number of free online BMI calculators. While this can give most people a general idea of whether they are carrying extra weight, it falls short in some important ways. 

Are you wondering if now is a good time to get tested for lung cancer, even if you’re not currently experiencing any symptoms? Getting a screening early is a good idea to make sure you’re healthy or identify potential cancer before it spreads. 

It’s been understood for decades that tobacco smoking is the single leading cause of lung cancer, causing an estimated 1.5 to 2 million deaths per year. Eighty-five percent of lung cancers occur in current or former smokers. This year, there is a new reason to quit smoking: COVID-19. Recent studies indicate that when infected with the novel coronavirus, tobacco smokers are more likely to develop severe infections, to need mechanical ventilation, and to die as a result of the illness. This is not surprising, given that smoking causes damage that inhibits the lungs’ ability to clean and repair themselves. Along with getting plenty of exercise, eating healthy, and managing stress, avoiding cigarettes is one if the top ways to keep your immune system in good working order during the pandemic.

The strategy of closing businesses and advising residents to stay at home is, by design, isolating. That’s good for limiting the damage that the coronavirus known as COVID-19 is able to inflict in our communities. Isolation, however, comes at a cost. In the best of circumstances, restrictions on where you can go, what you can do, and who you can see in person would be hard to deal with. The stress of a new, fast-spreading illness and uncertainty about the future make it even more troubling. How can these changes in our daily lives affect our health?

In a time when so much seems beyond our control, we want to control what we can. While it’s likely that many Americans will contract the coronavirus, the severity of any individual’s illness is difficult to predict. One thing we each can do is give our immune systems what they need to be in top shape to fight whatever comes our way. Here are seven ways you can support your immune system.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the U.S., accounting for approximately 25% of all deaths. Fortunately, many of the factors that contribute to heart disease are within your control. You can lower your risk by following these five tips.