When it comes to women’s health, preventive imaging plays a powerful role. In the UAB Department of Radiology, we see how early detection through routine screenings can make a meaningful difference in outcomes. During Women’s Health Month, we’re highlighting three important imaging screenings every woman should prioritize to stay informed, proactive, and empowered about her health.
Mammography remains the most effective and widely recommended screening tool for the early detection of breast cancer. It can identify changes in breast tissue years before symptoms are noticeable, often detecting cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. Most women should begin annual mammograms at age 40, though those with additional risk factors, such as a strong family history or genetic predisposition, may need to start earlier.
“For decades, annual screening mammography beginning at age 40 has resulted in a 40 percent reduction in breast cancer mortality in the United States,” said Stefanie Woodard, D.O., associate professor and chief of breast imaging in the Department of Radiology. “It is a cornerstone of early detection and is supported by the American College of Radiology, Society of Breast Imaging, and American Society of Breast Surgeons.”
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, but early detection dramatically improves survival rates. Advances in imaging technology, such as 3-D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis or DBT), have helped find 40-50% more breast cancers and reduced false alarms, catching cancers earlier than traditional 2-D mammograms.
For women at higher risk of breast cancer, mammography alone may not provide the full picture. Breast MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) are advanced imaging options often recommended for women with dense breast tissue, known genetic mutations, or a strong family history of breast cancer. When used alongside mammography, breast MRI is the recommended first-line supplemental screening tool, offering a more comprehensive evaluation of the breast tissue. CEM is alternative to MRI for those who have contraindications or strongly desire a different option.
“Experts, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, support tailoring breast cancer screening to a woman’s risk, especially in those with dense breasts,” Woodard said. “Adding MRI to mammography in these patients can detect more cancers, reduce missed cancers by about half, and identify cancers at an earlier, more treatable stage.”
Because every woman’s risk profile is unique, the imaging team in the Department of Radiology works closely with referring providers to help determine the most appropriate screening approach. Understanding your personal risk factors is an important step in making informed decisions about your care.
These advanced screening techniques share a common goal: early detection leading to better outcomes. Preventive imaging saves lives by finding cancer early when it is most treatable, and this benefit is even greater when screening is personalized to individual risk.
While annual mammography alone may be sufficient for many and remains the foundation of breast cancer screening, women who have dense breasts or a high risk of developing breast cancer often benefit from supplemental tools such as breast MRI. Both MRI and CEM can improve cancer detection and reduce missed cancers compared with mammography alone. Together, these advances enable more personalized breast cancer screening for more women.