Breast cancer is by far the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women.
According to the American Cancer Society, the average woman in the United States has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer at some point in her lifetime. More than 300,000 new cases are reported annually; about 42,000 women pass away from breast cancer annually.
Although most cases of breast cancer occur in middle-aged and older women, paying close attention to your health can have long-term benefits. This is because breast cancer, like many other malignant illnesses, is easiest to treat in its earliest stages. Mammograms and other tools often make a critical difference in early-stage detection and, by extension, give women more time to beat back a life-threatening disease.
Read more to learn about mammograms and breast cancer screenings, or contact Core Medicine of Idaho’s family practice today to request an appointment.
Mammograms and Breast Cancer Screenings
Medical professionals use the term “screening” to refer to any type of examination designed to identify an illness in people with no noticeable symptoms. This may seem counterintuitive, but many serious diseases—up to and including cancer—have very long latent periods. In other words, even as your body turns against itself, it could be months or years before you start feeling sick.
If a screening detects a tumor, your doctor will be able to conduct a biopsy to determine whether it is cancerous. Most cases of breast cancer diagnosed in women who receive regular screenings manage to catch the disease in its early stages, before it has had the chance to spread outside the breast.
Mammograms are the most common breast cancer screening tool in the United States. Most mammograms are simply low-dose X-rays used to detect unusual or unexpected masses of tissue in the breast. Some providers also offer 3-D mammograms, but these tend to be significantly more expensive than standard, 2-D mammograms.
3 Signs You Might Need a Mammogram
Breast cancer is most often diagnosed in older women, but it can affect anyone of any age.
However, some women have a higher-than-average risk of developing breast cancer. You should talk to your health care provider about mammograms if:
- You are a woman over the age of 30.
- You have ever received radiation therapy to or around the chest.
- You have a close relative, such as a mother or sister, who has been previously diagnosed with breast cancer.
As a general rule of thumb, most adult women should speak to their primary health care provider about their individual risk for breast cancer. After the age of 30, you should start incorporating mammograms into your routine annual physical. Even if you aren’t very likely to develop breast cancer in your 30s or 40s, regular screenings can bring peace of mind and help ensure that, in a worst-case scenario, you still have the time and good health needed to conquer cancer.
Your Mammogram Screening Checklist: 5 Tips to Make Your Screening Comfortable, Fast, and Easy
Most women don’t need to take special precautions before getting a mammogram.
However, preparing ahead of time gives you an opportunity to dress comfortably and prepare for the types of questions your provider will most likely ask. Here are five tips for making your screening as fast and easy as possible:
1. Understand Your Family’s Health History
You’ll probably be asked about your family’s health history during your screening.
If you have a mother, sister, or daughter who has been previously diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be more likely to develop the disease yourself. According to some researchers, the risk is highest when you have multiple relatives with histories of breast cancer.
2. Collect Your Old Records
If you’re new to the Treasure Valley or have recently switched providers, try to obtain any old mammogram records you might have. This may necessitate making a handful of phone calls, but it can help our team identify unusual changes in your breast tissue.
3. Wear Comfortable Clothes
You don’t have to dress up or down for a mammogram, but you may find the procedure more comfortable if you wear a skirt, pants, or other outfit with a detachable top.
4. Try to Avoid Lotions, Deodorants, and Perfumes
Try to avoid using lotions, deodorants, powders, and perfumes under your arms or breasts on the day of your exam. The American Cancer Society notes that compounds in some cosmetics can show up as white spots on your mammogram, potentially triggering a false alarm.
5. Schedule a Mammogram Breast Cancer Screening
Making a mammogram part of your next check-up is a good way to protect your body and breasts. Most mammogram breast cancer screenings are easy, fast, and painless, and you only need one per year.