Understanding Breast Imaging and Screening
Your Complete Guide
EXPERT INSIGHTS FROM DR Anjali Malik, MEDICAL ADVISOR for LEARN LOOK LOCATE
Are you wondering about breast cancer screening options? Learn Look Locate proudly presents expert insights from Dr. Anjali Malik, a leading breast imaging and intervention radiologist at Washington Radiology. Her guidance will help you understand the latest in breast cancer screening and detection.
“Most often, we can find cancer smaller than a pea through imaging. In contrast, most people can only feel something when it’s walnut-sized.” – Dr. Anjali Malik
Why Breast Cancer Screening Matters
Modern breast cancer screening saves lives. Today, we have more advanced tools than ever before. However, many people still have questions about which screening options are right for them.
How Advocacy Shapes Better Care
- ● Ensuring everyone can get annual mammograms
- ● Making sure insurance covers essential screening tests
What You Should Know About 3D Mammography
- ● Provides clearer, more detailed images
- ● Works especially well for dense breast tissue
- ● Helps find cancer at earlier stages
- ● Reduces false alarms
Understanding Your Breast Density
- ● Cancer risk
- ● Screening needs
Therefore, understanding your breast density helps guide your screening plan.
Risk Categories Based on Density
Your overall risk score helps determine your screening needs:
- ● High risk: Above 20%
- ● Intermediate risk: 12-20%
- ● Average risk: Around 12% (lifetime risk)
Your Breast Screening Options Explained
Getting the Best Mammogram Results
Proper positioning during your mammogram makes a big difference. Your breast tissue extends:
- ● From your breastbone to your side
- ● Up into your underarm area
That’s why technologists take special care with positioning. They work to capture all your breast tissue clearly.
How Ultrasound Helps
- ● Uses no radiation
- ● Safe for all ages
- ● Shows the difference between cysts and solid masses
- ● Finds 2-3 more cancers per 1,000 screenings
- ● Provides immediate results
When MRI Might Be Right for You
- ● Uses special contrast material
- ● Finds twice as many cancers as mammograms alone
- ● Shows detailed tissue activity
- ● Particularly helpful for high-risk patients
When MRI Might Be Right for You
- Uses special contrast material
- ● Finds twice as many cancers as mammograms alone
- ● Shows detailed tissue activity
- ● Particularly helpful for high-risk patients
Understanding Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
- ● Contrast allergies
- ● Kidney problems
- ● Concerns about IV placement
What Is Architectural Distortion?
When radiologists look at mammograms, they check for pattern changes in your breast tissue. These changes can happen because of:
- ● Normal scarring
- ● Natural body processes
- ● Sometimes, early signs of cancer
How Imaging Guides Your Care Planning Treatment
Clear imaging helps your healthcare team:
- ● Choose the best surgical approach
- ● Understand your specific situation
- ● Monitor how well treatment works
- ● Make adjustments as needed
Understanding Cancer Types
Most breast cancers start in milk ducts. They can be:
- ● DCIS: Cancer stays inside the duct
- ● Invasive: Cancer grows beyond the duct
- ● Sometimes spreads to nearby areas
Keeping Track of Your Breast Health
- ● Find very small changes
- ● Detect cancer before you can feel it
- ● Track changes over time
- ● Guide preventive care
Monthly Self-Checks
While not replacing mammograms, self-exams help you:
- ● Know your normal breast texture
- ● Notice any changes quickly
- ● Track monthly patterns
- ● Feel more confident about your health
Do these checks around day 14 of your menstrual cycle for best results
Looking to the Future
Breast imaging keeps improving. Watch for:
- ● Better access to advanced technology
- ● More precise detection methods
- ● Broader insurance coverage
- ● Artificial intelligence assistance
- ● New screening techniques
Expert Insights on Understanding
Breast Imaging and Screening
A Conversation with Dr. Anjali Malik, Breast Radiologist and Medical Advisor for Learn Look Locate
“Breast cancer screening can feel like a lot to handle, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this conversation with Dr. Anjali Malik, Medical Advisor for Learn Look Locate, she shares her expertise on breast imaging, dense tissue, and cutting-edge technologies like AI. Dr. Malik breaks things down in a way that makes it easier for patients and advocates to understand the process. Our goal is simple: to help you make informed, confident decisions about your health.”
About the Expert
Meet Dr. Anjali Malik, MD
Dr. Malik combines expert clinical care with passionate advocacy. She serves patients across 8 DMV locations while working to improve breast health awareness and access to care.
How Learn Look Locate Helps You
Learn Look Locate bridges the gap between medical expertise and patient understanding. Through experts like Dr. Malik, we make complex information clear and useful.
We believe knowledge empowers you to take control of your breast health. Whether you’re getting your first mammogram or exploring advanced screening options, we’re here to help guide your journey.
