Clinic Connections Women's Health Spotlight: Breast Cancer Care Through the Medical Assistant Lens-Clinic Connections: Women's Health Spotlight

Pdf Summary

This webinar, “Breast Cancer Through the Medical Assistant Lens,” focused on how medical assistants can support breast health, screening, and patient education. Led by CMA moderators and presented by radiology expert Priscilla J. Slanetz, MD, the session outlined the medical assistant’s role in identifying patients due for screening, helping assess breast cancer risk, coordinating imaging, and answering common questions about breast density and diagnostic follow-up.<br /><br />Key facts highlighted included that breast cancer affects about 1 in 8 women, is a leading cause of cancer death in women, and screening can reduce mortality by 30–45%. Risk factors were divided into modifiable factors, such as alcohol use, high BMI, inactivity, and hormone exposure, and unmodifiable factors, such as age, family history, gene mutations, and dense breast tissue. The presentation emphasized that most women diagnosed have no major risk factors beyond age and sex.<br /><br />The webinar explained the difference between screening mammograms, which are for asymptomatic patients, and diagnostic mammograms, which are done when symptoms are present. It also reviewed current screening recommendations from major organizations, noting that guidance varies by risk level and age. Breast density was discussed as both a common finding and a factor that can make cancers harder to detect. Patients were encouraged to discuss supplemental screening options such as MRI, whole-breast ultrasound, or contrast-enhanced mammography when appropriate.<br /><br />The session also explained what happens after an abnormal screening result (BI-RADS 0), noting that most recalls do not result in cancer and that only about 5% of recalled patients are ultimately diagnosed with cancer. The main takeaways for medical assistants were to promote timely risk assessment, help patients understand breast density, and prepare them for screening or diagnostic imaging experiences.

Asset Subtitle

Breast Cancer Through the Medical Assistant Lens PowerPoint Deck

Keywords

breast cancer

medical assistant

screening mammogram

diagnostic mammogram

breast density

patient education

risk factors

BI-RADS 0

mammography

radiology