The controversy that has surrounded mammography screening in the past few years has many women questioning whether they should keep coming in for their annual mammograms (or, for those just turning 40, whether to start). Here is our list of the top 10 reasons you should get an annual mammogram.
1. On average, one in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime. Regular mammograms give women the best chance of catching cancers early, when they are most treatable.
2. Early breast cancer detection reduces the risk of dying from the disease by 25–30% or more.
3. Annual screening mammograms are the most important way women can reduce their breast cancer mortality risk. Breast cancers detected during screening exams are more likely to be smaller and confined to the breast than cancers found in other ways, and the size and extent of breast cancer are among the most important factors affecting outcomes.
5. Mammography is quick and painless, involving only minimal discomfort for most women.
6. Mammograms are safe, involving only a very small amount of ionizing radiation. For comparison, a 2-D mammogram delivers approximately 0.4 mSv of radiation, equivalent to our exposure from completely natural sources (like the sun) over a period of 7 weeks. Newer technologies are reducing radiation doses even further; the C-View technology that we use here at Iowa Radiology captures both 2-D and 3-D images simultaneously, delivering a 40% lower radiation dose than previously possible.
7. The precision of mammography is constantly improving. Modern 3-D mammography (also known as breast tomosynthesis) has been found to increase the detection of invasive cancers by 41% while reducing the number of patients called back for follow up by 15%.
8. A recent study published in Cancer found that more than 70% of women with fatal breast cancer outcomes were not undergoing regular screening. The median age of diagnosis of fatal cancers was 49, flying in the face of the recent USPSTF recommendation that screening begin at age 50.
9. Breast cancer risk increases with age. As we get older, our bodies are more likely to undergo abnormal changes, which set the stage for cancer development. As a result, the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend ongoing annual screening for all women beginning at age 40.
10. You can encourage other women in your life to protect themselves with annual mammography by the example you set.
Is it time for your annual mammogram? Request your appointment with Iowa Radiology here! If you have further questions about mammography, check the other helpful articles on our blog, or click below to download our free mammography guide.
The information contained in the Iowa Radiology website is presented as public service information only. It is not intended to be nor is it a substitute for professional medical advice.You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider if you think you may have a medical problem before starting any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding your medical condition.