| For many years, doctors and scientists have been | | | | Most of these methods are mainly advances on the |
| looking for a cure for cancer and especially for breast | | | | old forms of diagnosis. They have been modified in |
| cancer. A vaccine has eluded doctors for many years | | | | order to give clearer results and also to produce |
| and they continue on their quest for finding one. | | | | results faster. For example, the old type of |
| Doctors are trying out new ways to improve the | | | | mammograms used x-ray film but the new types of |
| already existing forms of diagnoses and treatment. It | | | | mammograms use computer codes that can be read |
| has been of major concern that, the methods of | | | | using a computer. It is also possible to make changes |
| diagnoses in use today have been very invasive and | | | | on these codes before finally printing them on film. |
| that they can only be used when the disease begins | | | | This new method helps in giving very clear images |
| to show signs and symptoms. The methods of | | | | that prove very helpful to the doctor when making |
| diagnoses have also been known to increase chances | | | | interpretations of the film. The images can also be |
| of developing the disease they are supposed to be | | | | saved on the computer for comparison purposes and |
| diagnosing. This is because, repeated exposure to | | | | copies can be printed out when the need arises. |
| radiation could result in cancer. | | | | Some methods are also in use for detection of |
| Some of the methods in use today include; | | | | cancerous cells in the denser parts of the breast |
| ultrasound, MRI, digital mammogram, duct lavage, | | | | where normal methods may be unable to detect |
| image guided breast biopsy and PET scan. Most of | | | | them. This method is also a type of mammogram |
| these tests rely on ultra sounds, although some do | | | | which uses x-rays. The method focuses on areas |
| not, such as MRI and PET scan. Sometimes these | | | | that have growth of blood cells which could be an |
| methods can be used together in order to give more | | | | indicator of cancer. The process is very fast and |
| conclusive results for breast cancer detection. For | | | | takes less than ten minutes. However, scientists are |
| example, an ultrasound can be used together with a | | | | still at work and many of the procedures are still |
| needle biopsy. Modern ultrasound is able to detect | | | | under trial. It is hoped that in a few years, more |
| whether a lump is cancerous or malignant. These | | | | progress will have been made and it will become |
| results can further be supported and confirmed by | | | | possible to diagnose breast cancer earlier and help |
| use of a needle biopsy. | | | | save more lives. |