Breast Cancer Awareness & Screening
Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. This means that 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. 😳Unfortunately, about every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. This year, an estimated 41,760 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S. #wearenotokaywiththis The good news is that we have seen a gradual reduction in female breast cancer rates among women age 50 and older. 👏🏼Death rates from breast cancer have been declining due to better screening with early detection, increased awareness, and ever improving treatment options. #letskeepthisup Mammograms play a key role in early breast cancer detection and help decrease breast cancer deaths. At age 40 women of average risk have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms if they wish to do so. Experts don't agree on specific age or timing for mammograms, so talk with your doctor about your risk factors, preferences, and the benefits and risks of screening. Together, you can decide what screening mammography schedule is best for you.
We feel it's extremely important that our patients are educated on routine health screenings. Keep scrolling to learn more about mammograms.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breasts used to screen for breast cancer. During a mammogram, your breasts are compressed between two firm surfaces to spread out the breast tissue. Then an X-ray captures black-and-white images of your breasts that are displayed on a computer screen and examined by a doctor who looks for signs of cancer.
Why it's done?
Mammography is X-ray imaging of your breasts designed to detect tumors and other abnormalities. Mammography can be used either for screening or for diagnostic purposes in evaluating a breast lump:
Screening mammography. Screening mammography is used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms or new breast abnormalities. The goal is to detect cancer before clinical signs are noticeable.
Diagnostic mammography. Diagnostic mammography is used to investigate suspicious breast changes, such as a new breast lump, breast pain, an unusual skin appearance, nipple thickening or nipple discharge. It's also used to evaluate abnormal findings on a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram includes additional mammogram images.
To read more about risks, how to prepare, what to expect during the test, etc., visit https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mammogram/about/pac-20384806