Breast Ultrasound Center

Dr. Kelly’s Blueprint For A 

Successful Screening Program

Many factors need to be taken into consideration when starting a screening program, or planning for future screenings. Breast cancer is the #1 killer of women ages 35-54, and although the chances of getting breast cancer in your early to mid-30’s are slim, it does happen.

Here is what I would recommend to my own daughter:

At Age 30-35

Get a SonoCiné Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound Screening (AWBUS) or ultrasound screening. There is no radiation, it’s safe, and we can tell if you have dense breasts. Since AWBUS uses ultrasound technology, you won’t be adding years of radiation to your screening and you will know that everything is ok.

The only downside to having a SonoCiné before age 40 is the cost. It’s not covered by insurance yet – though some plans are reimbursing. At my practice the cost ranges from $250 – $350 and some insurance may reimburse you for it - we can provide the insurance codes. If you don’t want to have a SonoCiné in your early 30’s then get one at 37-38. 

At Age 40

Get a mammogram and find out whether you have dense or fatty breasts. Certain cancers develop as calcifications, which account for approximately 10-15% of breast cancers. These are more easily seen by mammography.

If your mammogram indicates you have mostly fatty tissue in your breasts, then continue getting an annual mammogram. It’s enough.

If you have dense breast tissue (40% of women have dense breast tissue), get a mammogram once a year and a SonoCiné AWBUS once a year. You can do them 6 months apart (Jan/June for example). It sounds like a lot of work but the 3-4 hours per year it takes to complete these tests will tremendously increase your chances of finding an abnormality when it is still small and easy to treat.

If you have implants, get a mammogram once a year and an AWBUS once a year, also 6 months apart. Implants are like having the densest tissue in the middle of your breast, so it's important to follow the same guidelines as someone with dense breast tissue throughout the breast. 

If You Have A Lump

DO NOT STOP until you know for certain what it is, and that it’s not breast cancer.  That means you need to be examined and diagnosed with ultrasound to confirm that the lump is indeed harmless. Your physician may ask you to modify some behaviors for 4-6 weeks to see if it goes away. But if it doesn’t, get an ultrasound no matter what your doctor says.

If Your Grandmother, Mother or Sister Has/Had Breast Cancer

If your mother, grandmother or sister had breast cancer in her 30’s or 40’s, you need to start your ultrasound screening 10 years before that age, otherwise start at age 40.

If Your Aunts or Cousins Have/Had Breast Cancer

If you have two second-degree relatives (aunts and cousins) who have had breast cancer, err on the side of caution. I would recommend the same program above.  The likelihood of you getting breast cancer is less, but it can’t hurt to be careful.

If You Experience Discharge From The Nipple

If you have a red discharge that’s coming from your nipple for more than a day or two, you should see your doctor and get a SonoCiné. A clear or milky discharge from both nipples would most likely indicate that it is NOT CANCER.

Ask Your Doctor What's Right For You

Please feel free to ask your doctor about the above information. Be prepared that he or she may not be up-to-speed on many of my suggestions, so you may already be more informed than your doctor.