Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in American women. Although cardiovascular-related deaths significantly outnumber breast cancer deaths, breast cancer is arguably the most feared diagnosis among American women. Great strides have been made to heighten public awareness of breast cancer, with particular emphasis on early detection with mammography. Breast radiologists regularly witness the extreme anxiety that just the thought of being diagnosed with breast cancer can cause a patient. This anxious anticipation is often heightened by a lack of knowledge about what to expect from the process of breast imaging evaluation, which is frustrating for both patient and practitioner and can negatively affect the experience. Physicians often encounter patients who have little or no understanding of the reasoning behind the examination or procedure about to be performed-sometimes even up to the day of their breast cancer surgery. Furthermore, most women who undergo breast evaluations will not be diagnosed with cancer. The incidence of breast cancer is only 125.3 per 100,000 women (or 3-6 in every 1,000 screenings), however, symptoms of benign breast abnormalities are quite common and impact many more lives. Accurately diagnosing these non-cancerous conditions can alleviate much anxiety, in addition to helping patients towards a correct treatment plan. The Breast Test Book is a straightforward guide to the process of radiologic breast evaluations. Based on the most current scientific research and best standards of clinical practice, it will help debunk myths, shed light on misinformation, and provide clear facts about what women should expect from these screenings. This improved understanding will ultimately allow patients to play more active roles in their own care and, in the event that a diagnosis is made, give them confidence in their treatment.
Part I First Things First Chapter 1 Breast Imaging: Until There's a Cure Chapter 2 The Screening Mammogram Guidelines Controversy: What You ABSOLUETLY Must Know Part II The Who Chapter 3 You! How You Impact Your Care Chapter 4 The Breast Imaging Team Chapter 5 The Rulers of Mammoland Chapter 6 Your Referring Doctor Part III The What Chapter 7 The Tools of Breast Imaging: A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words Part IV The Why Chapter 8 How It All Works: An Overview Chapter 9 How It All Works: The Screening Evaluation Chapter 10 How It All Works: The Diagnostic Evaluation Chapter 11 Breast Urgent-cies Chapter 12 So, You Need a Biopsy: Don't Panic Chapter 13 You Don't Have Breast Cancer: The Value of a Benign Evaluation Chapter 14 You Have Been Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Part V: Other Considerations Chapter 15 Special Cases Chapter 16 How Does Your Report Get to You and To Your Doctor Chapter 17 Commonly (and Not So Commonly) Asked Questions Part VI: Breast Imaging Meets the Outside World Chapter 18 Medical Legal Issues and Liability Chapter 19 Safety Issues in Mammography and Breast Imaging Chapter 20: The Breast Density Discussion: Information versus Notification Glossary 1 Breast Health Vocabulary by Topic Glossary 2 Breast Health Vocabulary - Alphabetical Appendix Sample History Forms, Patient Letters, and Sample Screening, Diagnostic, and Biopsy Reports Resources Organizations, Online Resources, and Support Groups Bibliography
Connie Jones, MD and Michael N. Linver are both board-certified Radiologists who specialize in Breast Imaging. Dr. Jones is Medical Director of Solis Mammography in Phoenix, Arizona, and Dr. Linver is Clinical Professor of Radiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
