Course Description
Mammography is an X-ray imaging tool used to visualize the breast for early detection of breast cancer. Since 1898, the most common treatment option for patients diagnosed with breast cancer included invasive procedures, such as a radical mastectomy. However, mammography was able to not only visualize and assess breast tissue, but it also fulfilled the need for early cancer detection by utilizing developing imaging technology. Many healthcare professionals and scientists have contributed to the evolution of mammographic technology including the equipment designated for mammography, film and digital mammography, imaging receptors to decrease radiation dose, multiple techniques for better visualization, as well as promoting standard guidelines for screening requirements. Despite the benefits of this continually evolving technology, many women have limited access to or encounter barriers when trying to adhere to adequate screening recommendations according to guidelines and their own cancer risk. Such barriers include lack of insurance, limited access to screening facilities, lack of general education about mammograms, and communication and cultural barriers. This course will review the development and functionality of mammography, its role in breast cancer detection, the most common breast imaging studies including digital mammography, full-field digital mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, and barriers to mammograms and breast screenings. It will outline how these techniques apply to underserved populations and ways to overcome these barriers to provide optimal patient care.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• EXPLAIN the primary function of mammography, its role in early breast cancer detection, and the associated imaging equipment.
• OUTLINE image acquisition techniques in mammography including conventional mammography, full-field digital mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, and breast computed tomography.
• SUMMARIZE the processes of self-breast examinations and clinical breast examinations as methods of early breast cancer detection.
• IDENTIFY various barriers to breast cancer screenings and screening mammograms that patients may encounter.
• ANALYZE strategies to minimize and/or eliminate barriers to breast cancer screenings and screening mammograms.

Categories: Mammography, Professional Development/Patient Care Quality

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 12 out of 16 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.0 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical credits). 

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.