With insights from Dr. Jon Atacador, Breast Surgeon
When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is everything. Advances in medical imaging are now helping doctors spot tumors earlier — even before symptoms appear.
In this fifth installment of our Breast Cancer Awareness Series, Dr. Jon Atacador explains the latest screening methods available to women in the Philippines, what age to start, and how new technologies are improving accuracy and peace of mind.
Why Breast Cancer Screening Matters
Screening doesn’t prevent cancer — but it helps detect it when treatment is most effective.
“The goal is to find cancer before it causes symptoms,” says Dr. Atacador. “When caught early, the chances of cure are extremely high.”
Routine screening can detect tumors years before they can be felt, allowing for less invasive treatments and better survival rates.
Types of Breast Cancer Screening and Imaging
1. Mammography (2D and 3D)
Mammography remains the gold standard in breast cancer screening.
It uses low-dose X-rays to capture detailed images of the breast tissue, revealing small abnormalities invisible to the naked eye.
- 2D Mammogram: Traditional, widely available, and effective.
- 3D Mammogram (Digital Breast Tomosynthesis): A newer advancement that takes multiple “slices” of breast images to create a three-dimensional view. This improves cancer detection in women with dense breasts and reduces false positives.
“Tomosynthesis helps us catch early-stage cancers that might be hidden on a regular mammogram,” explains Dr. Atacador.
2. Breast Ultrasound
An ultrasound uses sound waves to produce breast images — no radiation involved.
It’s often used as a supplemental test for women with dense breast tissue, or to further evaluate an area seen on a mammogram.
It’s also recommended for younger women and pregnant patients, where radiation exposure is a concern.
“In the Philippines, ultrasound is a practical, accessible screening option that complements mammography,” Dr. Atacador adds.
3. Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
MRI provides highly detailed images using magnetic fields and contrast dye.
It’s especially useful for high-risk women, such as those with a strong family history or BRCA gene mutations.
While MRI is more expensive and not part of routine screening for everyone, it’s an excellent tool for comprehensive evaluation when needed.
4. Emerging and Advanced Imaging Technologies
Medical innovation continues to improve early detection tools. Some promising developments include:
- Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM): Combines X-ray and contrast dye to better highlight abnormal blood flow, often seen in cancerous tissue.
- Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI): Uses a radioactive tracer to show metabolic activity of breast cells.
- AI-Assisted Screening: Artificial intelligence systems are being tested to help radiologists identify subtle abnormalities faster and more accurately.
“Technology will continue to evolve,” says Dr. Atacador, “but it will never replace the value of clinical judgment and regular checkups.”
When to Start Screening
Screening recommendations vary, but general guidelines suggest:
| Risk Level | Recommended Screening |
|---|
| Average risk (no family history, no genetic mutations) | Annual or biennial mammogram starting at age 40 |
| High risk (family history, BRCA mutation, prior chest radiation) | Annual MRI + mammogram starting at age 30 |
| Younger women (under 40) | Clinical breast exam and ultrasound as needed |
Your doctor may adjust these based on your personal and family history.
Understanding Breast Density
Breast tissue density affects how well a mammogram can detect tumors.
Dense breasts (which contain more glandular than fatty tissue) can mask cancers on X-rays.
If your mammogram report mentions “dense breasts,” Dr. Atacador recommends:
- Adding an ultrasound or 3D mammogram for better accuracy.
- Maintaining regular yearly screenings.
- Discussing risk-based options with your physician.
Screening in the Philippines
While advanced technologies like 3D mammography and MRI are more available in private hospitals and major cities, basic mammography and ultrasound are accessible in many government and regional hospitals.
“The most important thing,” says Dr. Atacador, “is not which machine is used — it’s that women get screened regularly. Early detection, regardless of location, saves lives.”
Dr. Atacador’s Practical Advice
- Start screening at age 40 or earlier if you have risk factors.
- Keep a record of past mammograms or ultrasounds for comparison.
- Don’t skip screenings even if last year’s results were normal.
- If cost is a concern, ask about government or NGO programs offering subsidized mammograms.
“Your first screening might feel intimidating,” Dr. Atacador says, “but once you do it, you realize it’s a simple, quick, and potentially life-saving test.”
Advances in breast imaging are giving women better tools than ever for early detection — but the key remains taking that first step.
Schedule your screening, know your risk, and encourage the women around you to do the same.
Do you feel like you need to get your breasts checked? Contact Dr. Jon Atacador through his Facebook page and schedule your consultation or check up today.
References
- American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis.
- Mayo Clinic. Mammogram Basics and What to Expect.
- WebMD. Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines.
- Healthline. 3D Mammogram vs Traditional Mammogram: What You Should Know.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Breast Imaging Modalities and When to Use Them.
- World Cancer Research Fund. Breast Cancer Prevention and Screening.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Mammography Quality Standards and AI Developments.
