The founder and lead surgeon of the North Texas Cancer Center at Wise talks about mammograms.

Decatur, TX – While some healthcare professionals are calling out mammograms for their connection to over-diagnosis and overtreatment of breast cancer, others are leading the charge to remind women that these screening tools remain a critical first line of defense. Often credited with enabling early detection, which can and does lead to lifesaving treatment, this form of testing has evolved in recent years, providing more valuable and accurate information than ever before.

“Mammograms and the procedures used to follow up on their findings have evolved greatly over the past few years,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at the North Texas Cancer Center at Wise. “While over-diagnosis and overtreatment are serious problems that need to be addressed, mammograms remain a critical, potentially lifesaving tool.”

The advances that have made mammograms even more valuable for women today than they were even only a decade ago include these breakthroughs that are helping reduce the potential for over- or misdiagnosis:

• Enhanced technology – The introduction of 3D mammograms, breast MRIs and other advanced imaging tools has made mammograms more accurate than ever before. Just like any screening tool, mammograms are not perfect, but their track record for accuracy is climbing thanks to more advanced technology.
• More precise biopsies – While the technological advances in breast cancer screening have increased accuracy, researchers have also made breakthroughs that are helping increase the accuracy rate of information collected following biopsies. It has simply become much easier in recent years for clinicians to distinguish aggressive tumors from lower-risk ones, which means doctors have the ability to help their patients avoid overly aggressive treatments that may not be medically necessary.
“Mammograms remain one of the most valuable tools in the fight against breast cancer,” says Dr. Echt. “Although not 100 percent perfect, these tools can lead to early detection and necessary lifesaving interventions.”

Women are strongly urged to speak with their healthcare providers about undergoing mammogram screening as they approach middle age. Should cancer be detected and confirmed, women should work closely with their healthcare providers to select the most appropriate course of treatment in their case.

About North Texas Cancer Center at Wise
North Texas Cancer Center at Wise, a division of Choice Cancer Care, is now operating as the Cancer Center at Wise Regional and is one of the most renowned cancer treatment centers in Texas. The center unites some of the best cancer doctors and surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. Our expert team delivers superior cancer treatment in Texas, with the best results available.