Did you know that for women in the United States, breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer? Today marks the beginning of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we’ll be doing our part to get the message out. Early detection saves lives, that’s why being screened for breast cancer is vital.
The American Cancer Society provides the following screening guidelines for women at average risk of breast cancer:
“These guidelines are for women at average risk for breast cancer. For screening purposes, a woman is considered to be at average risk if she doesn’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as in a BRCA gene), and has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30.
- Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
- Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
- All women should understand what to expect when getting a mammogram for breast cancer screening – what the test can and cannot do.
Clinical breast exams are not recommended for breast cancer screening among average-risk women at any age.”
Regarding mammograms, there is a great tool which is becoming more common: digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography. Our 3D mammogram combines multiple X-ray images into a 3D model so the radiologist has more views of the breast, which may help in detecting cancer earlier. If you would like to schedule a mammogram, call 972-888-7000 to make an appointment.