Let’s get to the bottom of this mystery called mammography. What is a mammogram, after all? Why do I need one? I don’t have a family history. I just don’t have enough time to take care of me. I hope that the following information will prompt you to finally schedule that baseline mammogram that your doctor’s been badgering you about for a year now. Or remind you to finally schedule your annual mammogram exam that you’ve put off for months now.

So, what is a mammogram? Screening mammography is used to detect breast cancer in women who have no breast complaints or symptoms. Screening mammography is intended to detect breast cancer in the earliest stage possible when it is most treatable. Diagnostic mammography is performed when a woman has a breast lump or other symptoms (such as a pain or nipple discharge). A diagnostic mammogram may also be performed if your screening mammogram demonstrates a possible abnormality. Do not be alarmed – this is very common, especially for women getting their first mammogram.

Why is FORTY the magic number? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) all recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. In addition, many women obtain a baseline mammogram at age 35. The baseline is intended to give radiologists a point of comparison for breast tissue changes through the years.

As we age, our risk of developing breast cancer increases. Statistics from the National Cancer Institute show that between the ages of 40-49, a woman with an average risk of breast cancer (i.e. – no family history) has a 1.46 % chance of developing breast cancer. This percentage represents a significant rise compared with women aged 30-39, who have a 0.44% chance of developing breast cancer. This jump in the incidence of cancer after age 40 is one main reason why annual screening mammography is recommended at this age. Additionally, a woman’s breast density typically decreases with age. This improves mammographic sensitivity and the detection of breast cancer with age. Regardless of age, women with a family history or experiencing a breast problem should contact their primary care physician for further evaluation.

I don’t have a family history. MOST women who develop breast cancer have no family history. A woman’s chance of developing breast cancer increases if a first degree relative such as a mother, sister or daughter has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Women who are at higher than average risk of breast cancer should talk with their health care providers about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and if any additional measures need to be considered.

The bottom line is annual mammograms help detect breast cancer early and improve the chances that it can be treated successfully. A mammogram can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.

Don’t skip! It is important to get mammograms on an annual basis – your mammogram images are like pieces of a puzzle – the radiologist uses these images to look for subtle changes that could be indicators of early stage breast cancer. Having prior films for comparison also reduces the chance that you are called back in for a diagnostic evaluation.

Additional Info

American Cancer Society Guidelines for early detection of breast cancer:
-Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year, and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
-Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular health exam by a health professional, preferably every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.
-Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away. (can provide you with shower card PDF)
-As per American Cancer Society recommendations, women at high risk (20% or greater lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year beginning at age 30. Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram.

Charlotte Radiology’s Guidelines/FAQ
http://www.charlotteradiology.com/mammographyfacts.php

I’m a mom, wife, employee, daughter, boo-boo fixer, tantrum tamer, friend… And the list goes on. I don’t have time for me and that’s okay – I love my busy life as a mom. I’m sure you smarty moms can relate.

I am the breast health outreach manager at Charlotte Radiology, and I hope this will be the push you need to put “get my mammogram” back at the top of your to-do list. Why? Because mammograms matter. They matter because you’re a mom, wife, daughter, boo-boo fixer, do-it-all, be-it-all WOMAN. And you and your health matter to the ones you love.

Despite the recent controversy over when to start annual mammography, the American Cancer Society and breast health experts across the world stand firm – 40 is the age to start an annual mammogram routine. It’s a 30 minute appointment that could save your life. Mammography is the only proven way to find breast cancer early and save lives from this disease – a disease you can’t just ignore or put off until you have time, because ladies, there’s never enough time. So, us moms need to MAKE time.

And don’t think you’re off the hook because you’re under 40. No ma’am. Smarty moms of all ages need to spread the word. This Mother’s Day, tell all the moms in your life that mammograms matter.

1 in 8 women is affected by breast cancer, and 75% of those women have no family history. There’s no reason to wait – visit beatcancerCR.com today to schedule your mammogram and send a reminder e-card to a loved one, or call to schedule at 704.367.2232.

MYTH: If you don’t have family history, you won’t get breast cancer.
Most breast cancers occur in patients who do NOT have a family history. It is true that having a significant family history increases a woman’s risk. A significant family history means you have two or more close family members (mother/father, sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle) who have had breast cancer, and/or the breast cancer in the family members has been found before the age of 50. But ALL women are at risk, so it is important to follow the guidelines for early detection: annual mammography starting at age 40, along with annual physical exams by your doctor and monthly self breast exams. In fact, more than 80% of women diagnosed have no identifiable risk factors. If you do have a significant family history, talk to your physician. The American Cancer Society now recommends annual Breast MRI, in addition to annual mammograms for women with a 20% or higher life-time risk of developing breast cancer.

We are getting excited about October!  October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so we will be busy with all sorts of events to raise awareness.  The purpose of this blog is to continue to raise awareness year around and to help encourage early detection.  1 in 8 women is affected by breast cancer.  But you can win the fight with early detection.  We will be blogging about a variety of topics—facts, news, statistics, events, as well as answering your questions!