Breast Health: It’s Up to You

National Mammography Day is October 17.

About 192,000 new cases of breast cancer occur each year in the United States, and a woman has a one in eight chance of developing the disease at some time in her life, according to the National Cancer Institute. With October designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take an active role in your health on National Mammography Day, Oct. 21.


yle="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Successful treatment of breast cancer depends on an early diagnosis. Regular mammograms help you to monitor the health of your breasts and to seek treatment for any problems before they become major. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration reports that mammograms can detect almost 90 percent of cancers in women over age 50 up to two years before a cancerous tumor can be felt. There are two types of mammograms:


Screening mammograms are performed regularly for women who have no specific concern or complaint about their breast health. In a screening mammogram, X-rays are used to view breast tissue and any possible lumps well before they can be felt through a breast self-exam. A screening mammogram is recommended every one to two years once a woman turns 40, then once a year after age 50. Screening mammograms may begin at an earlier age if there’s a family history of breast cancer.


Diagnostic mammograms are performed for women who have a specific concern or complaint about their breast health. These procedures are more detailed than screening mammograms. Diagnostic mammograms are mostly used with women who have breast implants or a history of breast cancer.


yle="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">If you feel nervous about a screening mammogram, try doing the following:


yle="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">• Learn the details of the procedure so you know exactly what’s going on. The Imaginis Web site (www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/mammography.asp ) offers detailed, physician-edited information about mammography and breast cancer prevention and treatment.


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