Once is Not Enough: Yearly Mammograms Save Lives

Most women are not doing everything they can to find breast cancer in its earliest stages, when survival rates may top 98 percent. And even though the widespread use of screening mammograms has increased the number of breast cancers found before they cause any symptoms, many women in the U.S. older than age 40 have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months.

It’s true that most women have their first mammogram at age 40, but few continue to have one every year after that. Therein lies the problem. Studies show that if women who tend to skip their yearly mammograms are diagnosed with breast cancer, they have lower survival rates than women who keep up with their annual screenings. This is because, by the time a lump can be felt or other symptoms of breast cancer appear, the cancer may be at a more advanced stage, making it more difficult to treat.

Another reason to continue having mammograms is that 94 percent of new cases of breast cancer occur in women over age 40, and the chances of having it increase with age. At age 40, 1 out of 257 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. By age 50, the number increases to 1 out of 67. By age 70, it’s 1 in 28. Because of this, the American Cancer Society recommends that all women age 40 and above have:

• A screening mammogram every year, continuing for as long as you are in good health
• A clinical breast exam by a health professional every year

If you are concerned that you may be at high risk for breast cancer — such as if you have a family history of the disease — talk to your health care provider at Riverview Health. He or she may refer you to a genetic counselor, recommend that you get screened earlier and more frequently, or consider medicines or surgeries that can lower your risk.

Consider this an important reminder with lifesaving potential. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Yet, there are more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone, and all of them can attribute their survival to timely cancer detection and appropriate treatment.

Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.

Sources: Cancer.gov, Cancer.org