Decoding Risk: The New Rules of Breast Cancer Screening

Decoding Risk: The New Rules of Breast Cancer Screening   Guest: Dr. January Lopez, MD, CCD, Director of Breast Imaging, Hoag Breast Center, Hoag Women's Heath Institute and Hoag Family Cancer Institute When it comes to breast cancer, knowledge is your greatest superpower, but the sheer volume of information can often feel paralyzing. This week, Anusha sits down with Dr. January Lopez to bridge the gap between fear and facts. We’re clearly distinguishing between the factors we can’t change - like genetics and the powerful, evidence-based lifestyle shifts we can control. In this episode, we have a much-needed, honest conversation about the "radiation risk" of mammograms and explore the evolving roles of breast ultrasound and breast CT scans in modern wellness checks. Dr. Lopez debunks common myths to replace medical anxiety with peace of mind. Leave with a clear, actionable plan, from the gold standards of early detection to the roles of exercise and mindfulness in safeguarding your long-term health.  Read more about our breast cancer screening and schedule your 3D Mammogram, breast ultrasound and our brand new breast CT by calling 949-764-5573  https://www.hoag.org/treatment/breast-screening-types  Show Notes: Monticciolo D, Newell M, Moy L . Breast Cancer Screening for Women at Higher-Than-Average Risk: Updated Recommendations From the ACR. Journal of the American College of Radiology, 2023; 20, 902-914  National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2026). NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: Breast cancer screening and diagnosis (Version 1.2026). https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=2&id=1421   World Cancer Research Fund / American Institute for Cancer Research. Continuous Update Project Expert Report 2018. Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Breast Cancer. Available at dietandcancerreport.org  Expert Panel on Breast Imaging; Paulis LV, Lewin AA, Weinstein SP, Baron P, Dayaratna S, Dodelzon K, Dogan BE, Gulati A, Kantor O, Kasales C, Kunjummen JM, Kuzmiak CM, Newell MS, Salkowski LR, Sharpe RE Jr, Small W Jr, Ulaner GA, Slanetz PJ. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Supplemental Breast Cancer Screening Based on Breast Density: 2024 Update. J Am Coll Radiol. 2025 May;22(5S):S405-S423. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2025.02.023. PMID: 40409891.   Mango V, Bryce Y, Morris EA, Gianotti E, Pinker K. Commentary ACOG Practice Bulletin July 2017: Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Screening in Average-Risk Women. Br J Radiol. 2018 Oct;91(1090):20170907. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20170907. Epub 2018 May 24. PMID: 29688040; PMCID: PMC6350476.  American College of Radiology. (n.d.). Radiation Dose Reference Chart. https://www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/Files/Radiology-Safety/Radiation-Safety/Dose-Reference-Card.pdf