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Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

When my mother underwent chemotherapy, we spent a lot of time visiting the phlebotomy lab for blood testing. I was always impressed by how easily the phlebotomist was able to find and puncture a vein to draw blood on the first try. I knew there had to be a method to it, and was astounded by how effortless and painless they made the process. It led me to research a lot about blood tests, from drawing to the actual screening. I've created this site to share what I've learned in the hopes of teaching others. The more you understand, the more control you can have over your own health care.

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Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

Benefits Of New 3D Technology Mammography

by Francisco Arnold

If you are 40 years old or older and a female, doctors are recommending that you begin to undergo annual mammograms so as to help detect breast cancer. So health providers are now offering 3D mammography as opposed to regular mammography. This technology is the go-to breast cancer diagnostic test that has FDA approval, and you can benefit from undergoing this procedure.

What's The Science Of 3D mammography?

This 3D technology, also called breast tomosynthesis, takes multiple images of breast tissue and thereafter recreates a three-dimensional picture of your breast. The multiple slices of 3D technology give your doctor a much clearer image of breast cancer masses. Traditional mammography on the other hand only takes one single image when you are tested, which is a disadvantage.

A Perilous Disadvantage

A perilous disadvantage in 2D mammography is that if you have very dense breast tissue, cancer cells may not be detected. Cancer cells are masters at hiding in dense tissue and could be overlooked. The new 3D technology makes it easier for doctors to catch your breast cancer early. When your doctor uses 3D mammography, the technology also helps physicians to better determine the size of the cancer.

Genius Exams

Due to overlapping layers of tissue in your breast tissue, a 2D mammography can provide unclear results. Because of that, some physicians are using Genius exams that deliver detailed breast images, which your doctor evaluates. The Genius 3D technology delivers more accurate results than the 2D images.

Lifestyle Changes

There are lifestyle changes you can use to avoid developing breast cancer. Maintain a healthy weight. After menopause, some women become overweight. As a result, obesity causes your estrogen hormone levels to rise. Exercising daily lowers your breast cancer risks and regulates your estrogen levels. Avoid diets with sugar and fats. Ask your primary care physician or a nutritionist to help you find the right plant-based diet. Make an effort to cut back on consuming too much meat for protein in your diet.

What Are The Right Screening Options?

Research is being conducted to learn whether some patients are more likely to have better screening results for specific tests. There is no denying that women who have dense breasts are at risk of developing breast cancer. In the same breath, women who have more fatty tissue may not have to undergo 3D mammography. Though this may seem confusing, it's the researchers who will have to determine what type of screening is best for individual breast cancer patients.

For more information, contact a company like Hudson Valley Imaging

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