“However, various pathologies can develop in the breasts, such as cancer. For this reason, regular diagnostic tests are extremely important for women’s health, mainly mammography which is a critical tool for the prevention and detection of breast disease, and a valuable gift for women, says Dr Mr. Konstantinos Syrgiannis Director Physician Radiologist Breast Imaging Specialist at Metropolitan Hospital and continues with what we would like to know about breast health exams:

How important is specialization in the treatment of breast diseases?

“The treatment of breast diseases requires a high level of expertise and cooperation between various professional groups, in order to ensure the health of women and increase the chances of successful treatment of breast diseases. Specialization ensures that examinations are carried out in the most efficient way, according to international standards and guidelines, by qualified staff, including specialist nurses, surgeons and breast radiologists, who proceed with accurate clinical assessment and surgical interventions when required. The specialized Breast Radiologist ensures the high quality of the images and the reliable interpretation of the results, so that every woman receives the necessary care accurately, quickly and without confusion,” he emphasizes.

Why is mammography a valuable screening tool?

“Breast cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the breast and is the most common form of cancer in women. It can develop in any part of the breast, be localized or diffuse to neighboring tissues. Detection of breast malignancy at an early stage is critical for effective treatment. Mammography, clinical examination and breast self-examination are important means of detection.
The prognosis for breast cancer depends on many factors, including the stage of detection, the type and stage of the tumor, as well as the woman’s age and general health. Rapid detection and early treatment can improve survival prospects, while scientific research and awareness of the disease have made significant progress and have actively contributed to its prevention and treatment,” the expert points out.

Mammography, as an examination method, emerges as a valuable procedure that offers significant benefits to women’s health, both in the prevention and treatment of this particular disease, such as:

• Breast cancer detection: Mammography is an effective way of detecting breast cancer in early stages, when it is easily treatable
• Prevention: Regular mammography can help prevent breast cancer by identifying abnormalities before they develop into cancer
• Monitoring: For women who have a high risk of breast cancer due to family history or other factors, mammography is used for regular monitoring and prevention
• Damage assessment: Mammography can be used to evaluate lesions such as cysts or tumors in the breast
• Biopsy guidance: When a suspicious lesion is detected, mammography can be used to guide biopsy to determine if cancer is present
• Minimize radiation: Modern mammograms use low-dose radiation, with the aim of reducing radiation exposure
• Evaluation of treatment results: Mammography is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment after a breast cancer diagnosis.

When is the right age to start mammography?

“Prevention and early diagnosis play a decisive role, both in finding pathologies and in their appropriate treatment. Mammography is recommended to start at the age of 40 and to be performed annually until the age of 74-75. However, in view of the increase in life expectancy and the good health and fitness of many women at older ages, monitoring may be extended according to the individual woman’s needs and assessment of her general health. Clearly, in between the screening, there may be a need to do tests, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis,” he explains.

When should a mammogram be done and what should women know?

“The frequency and age at which women should have a mammogram can vary depending on guidelines issued by various medical organizations and the risk each woman may be at. However, there are some general recommendations that can be helpful:

• Start regular breast exams at age 40: Many medical organizations, such as the American Cancer Society and the American Medical Association, recommend that mammography should begin at age 40
• Get 1 mammogram every year: In general, women who are at average risk of breast cancer should have mammograms every year starting at age 40.
• Learn about the different mammography methods: There are two main mammography methods, digital mammography and 3D digital mammography (tomography). It is important to discuss with your doctor and choose the right method for you.

In any case, the most important factor is working with your gynecologist or doctor, who will be able to organize the optimal clinical and imaging monitoring program according to your individual needs. Also, it is very important for every woman to know the family history of breast cancer and to inform her doctor about it”, concludes Mr. Syrgiannis.

*The Metropolitan Hospital’s Breast and Women’s Center is a model Diagnostic and Therapeutic Clinic created with the needs of the modern woman in mind. The breast center consists of a large team of specialized doctors, which can provide a solution to everything related to breast health. Specifically, the Breast Center has been operating since the summer of 2014 and is the first integrated unit for monitoring, diagnosing and treating diseases that exclusively concern the breast in Greece.

This is a “One Stop Breast Unit”, where women undergo imaging tests of the breasts (Digital Mammography, Tomosynthesis, High Definition Ultrasound, Elastography), as well as a clinical examination by a specialized mammologist, while where necessary, damage can be immediately identified with a biopsy in a minimum of time and without pain.

Two different cooperating departments work in the well-equipped unit:
• Department of Breast Imaging and Diagnosis, and
• Breast Surgery Clinic

In addition, at the Breast and Women’s Center, there is a Gynecological Oncology Center, created to help prevent and treat diseases of the internal and external genital organs.

The creation of this comprehensive structure, aimed at women of all ages, regardless of whether it is prevention or treatment, arose from the need for every woman to have access to high-quality specialized services related to her breast health.