The Importance of Mammograms
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Women’s Cancer & Surgical Care has one word for you ~ mammogram. Knowledge of the importance of mammograms can save lives, pass along the message to ladies you know and care about.
A mammogram is a precisely focused x-ray of the breast tissue, and is one of the best ways to detect cancer in early stages. It is at this critical point that treatment can oftentimes be more effective. The American Cancer Institute currently has the following recommendations for mammography screening:
- Women ages 40 to 44 have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms.
- Women age 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year.
- Females 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening.
- Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 years or more.
- All women should be familiar with the known benefits, limitations, and potential harms linked to breast cancer screening.
A small number of women, due to family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors, should be screened with MRIs along with mammograms. Women should also know how their breasts normally look and feel to report any breast changes to a healthcare provider straight away.
If you fall into any of the categories mentioned above speak with your healthcare provider about your risk for breast cancer and the best screening plan for you. Encourage your friends and family to be consistent with their mammogram routine as well.
There are many places in the Albuquerque area that can perform a mammogram. And while that is not part of the services that Women’s Cancer & Surgical Care offers, should you be diagnosed with this terrible disease, we are here; with the best treatment and support in the region. We’d prefer that breast cancer was a thing of the past, but until that time comes, Dr. Vigil and our team are here to guide, support and do all we can to heal.
A good friend of mine was shocked when she found out that she was in need of a 3D mammogram. It was something that she was not familiar with and wanted some clarification as to what it was and what it does. I will let her know that it is simply an x-ray of breast tissue to detect cancer in early stages.