At RadNet and Breastlink, we have always emphasized the importance of regular screening mammograms for a long and healthy life. Afterall, studies have long shown that when it comes to breast cancer, early detection is the key to survival. However, a new study conducted by the CDC shows that many women are forgoing mammograms altogether, with only about 65% of women between the ages of 50 - 74 staying up-to-date on their exams. With so much data pointing to the importance of finding breast cancer as early as possible, what’s causing so many women to miss out on potentially life-saving care?

Question: Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of ads online promoting breast ultrasound as an alternative to mammography. Is it true that I can have a breast ultrasound instead of a mammogram and still get accurate results?

The general answer to this question is no.

According to Dr. Jason McKellop, Medical Director at Breastlink Tarzana, as well as a board-certified radiologist with fellowship training in breast imaging, breast ultrasound, although a powerful imaging utility, is a supplement and not a substitute for mammography screening.