The Development of Breast Cancer Screening and Mammography and Overcoming Barriers to Patient Care

By Dr. LaKeidra Bell, Ed.D, R.T.(R)(ARRT)

^*Clinical Coordinator and Didactic Faculty, Baton Rouge General School of Radiologic Technology, Baton Rouge, LA.

Address correspondence to: Dr. LaKeidra Bell, Ed.D, RT(R)(ARRT), Baton Rouge General School of Radiology, 3616 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA, 70806; E-mail: Lakeidra.taylorbell@brgeneral.org.

Disclosure statement: The author reports having no significant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

 ABSTRACT

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.