Ep. 510 Confused by Mammograms, Breast MRIs & Ultrasounds? The Clear Guide to Breast Imaging with Dr. Robyn Roth
Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Health, and Science for Women 35+
When to Assess Personal Breast Cancer Risk
Dr. Roth recommends calculating lifetime risk early and explains thresholds for earlier screening.
As a nurse practitioner, I feel a deep responsibility to my listeners and community to ensure that every guest I bring on shares accurate, evidence-based information. A few months ago, I decided to remove two podcasts from earlier this year to make way for an expert who could speak specifically and authoritatively on breast cancer health. So, I am honored to welcome Dr. Robin Roth today, better known as The Boobie Docs, on her popular breast health social media platform, where she shares information about breast cancer in a fun and educational way.
Dr. Roth is an associate professor of radiology, specializing in breast and abdominal imaging. She is also the host of The Girlfriend's Guide to Breast Cancer podcast, created to support those navigating a breast cancer diagnosis or caring for a loved one.
In our discussion today, we dive into misinformation about breast health and breast imaging. We explore the importance of acknowledging disinformation on social media, risk factors for early breast cancer screening, significant and modifiable risk factors, and the effects of dense breast tissue. We examine breast imaging, exploring ultrasound and mammography, the differences between 2D and 3D mammograms (the gold standard), and when to use MRIs. We clarify why thermography and QT imaging are not the gold standard, and why we need to request different types of imaging modalities. We discuss the importance of screenings, challenges, including diagnoses like DCIS, personalized approaches to breast cancer screening, breast cancer staging, and issues with imaging after mastectomies and with implant placement. Dr. Roth also explains how 80% of breast biopsies end up being benign, how to manage anxiety and callbacks for mammograms, how to understand lab reports in plain language terms, and the benefits of supportive resources like cancerbesties.com.
With her expertise and approachable style, Dr. Roth reminds us that proper information can make all the difference when it comes to breast health. You will not want to miss this conversation, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:
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How online platforms fuel confusion around breast health and imaging
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Disinformation may influence breast cancer screening decisions
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Modifiable factors that can reduce or increase your risk of breast cancer
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Why dense breast tissue matters for imaging accuracy
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Ultrasounds, 2D and 3D mammograms, and MRIs
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Thermography and QT imaging are not gold standards
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Why every individual DCIS diagnosis needs a personalized approach
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Breast cancer staging and how it guides treatment
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80% of biopsies are benign, but still essential
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How to manage anxiety around callbacks and make sense of lab reports
Connect with Cynthia Thurlow
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Follow on X
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Check out Cynthia’s website
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Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com
Connect with Dr. Robyn Roth
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On her website
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Social Media: @the boobie docs
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Preorder a copy of Everyone Has Boobies
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