Introduction

Breast Cancer has been a concern long before x-rays were discovered by W. Roentgen in 1895. And breast cancer will continue to be a concern until a cure is found. Thousands of deaths occur each year due to breast cancer. Many of these deaths can be prevented if the breast cancer is discovered during the early stages of development. Statistics show that early detection increases the 5-year survival rate of those who are diagnosed with breast cancer as much as 95%. And until the day researchers announce they have found a cure, the only defense women have against this deadly disease is early detection.

Based on the age recommendations of the American Cancer Society a baseline mammogram should be performed by the age of 40. Most mammographers are younger than this recommended baseline age so mammograms have not become a part of their personal life. Therefore, it is essential that mammographers understand the role of early detection of life threatening breast cancer.

Early Detection

Early detection is a three-step process: A regularly scheduled mammogram, yearly physical breast examination, and a monthly self-breast examination. Although there is no definitive method which will detect all cancers, these three steps work together to detect cancer at the earliest possible stage. Mammographers have an obligation to educate women in this three step process. Therefore, it is the duty of the mammographer to be knowledgeable in the performance of these three steps. Mammographers should discuss the importance of each step and a breast model should be available for demonstration of the proper technique for self-breast examination. Mammographers should haveavailable information concerning each step of the process in a format that is easy to understand for all patients. This information should include diagrams, sketches, photographs, and written instructions on how the procedure is performed. The information should be in a form that would allow the patient to take the information home with her because a patient may feel more comfortable reading and practicing in the privacy of her own home.

Patient-Technologist Relationship

Part of the mammographer's role is to educate all women they come into contact with. Mammographers need to be seen as a resource that is available to anyone interested or concerned about breast cancer. Mammographers are often the first contact a woman has when she goes to the clinic for a mammogram. If the woman is there for her first mammogram or has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer she may be overwhelmed with uncertainties and concerns. Mammographers must be aware of the concerns a woman may have and possess the knowledge and skills required in appropriately addressing them. Often times the patient will be more open with the mammographer than others simply because of the patient-technologist relationship. The uniqueness of this relationship offers the mammographer an opportunity to educate the patient and possibly alleviate fears and anxiety. Patients may share information with the mammographer that was not disclosed to the physician. When the shared information is relevant to the well-being of the patient it is essential that the patient understand the necessity of sharing this information with the physician in order to help the physician make the best possible decisions in her care.

Technologist-Physician Relationship

Like the uniqueness of the patient-technologist relationship the technologist-physician relationship is equally unique. Mammographers are highly trained and highly skilled in the specialty of mammography. She possesses knowledge in communication methods and patient care, anatomy and pathology, screening procedures, diagnostic procedures, treatment options and patient recovery, radiation control, quality control, quality assurance, technical factors and control of the imaging process, and the federal regulations set forth by the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).

The skills and knowledge of mammographers makes the technologist a resource that physicians can utilize in the interest of the patient. Mammographers, in their skilled training can be a second pair of eyes for the physician in reading images. A physician, placing the best interest of the patient at the forefront of all else, will utilize the skills of the mammographer. The utilization of the skilled mammographer will function to enhance the skills of the physician. Mammographers must constantly strive to increase their knowledge and skills. Perpetual education is necessary to stay in tune with the ever-changing field of mammography.

Mammography Defined

What is mammography?
Mammography is a radiographic examination which uses low-dose radiation to produce high contrast images of the breast. The purpose of mammography is to detect breast cancer in the earliest stages of development.

What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is the process of positioning the breast on a film that will result in a diagnostic image of the breast tissue.

What is a mammographer? A mammographer is an individual trained and skilled in the specialty of mammography.

by Linda S. Lingar, M.Ed., R.T., (R)(M)
Assistant Professor
Department of Radiologic Technology