Did you know…
- 1 in every 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
- On average, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States
every 2 minutes.
- 64% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage (no sign
of cancer outside of the breast), for which the 5-year survival rate is 99%
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women (next to skin cancers)
- It is estimated that approximately 30% of all new woman cancer diagnosis
will be breast cancer.
- There are over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
- Since 1990, mammograms have helped reduce the mortality rate from breast
cancer by nearly 40%.
Early Detection is the key!
Early detection methods include monthly breast self-exams, regular clinical
breast exams (by a health care professional), and mammograms. These screening
tests are used find cancer BEFORE a person has any symptoms, providing
the best chance possible of survival. A screening mammogram can find breast
abnormalities two years before you or your doctor can manually feel any
changes in your breast tissue.
Early detection is critical to a successful outcome.
How often and when can I get a mammogram?
Women can have a baseline mammogram screening completed between the age
of 35 – 40. At the age of 40, the American College of Radiology
suggests that women begin receiving annual screening mammograms at age
40, regardless of their symptoms or family history.
What is the difference between a 2D or a 3D Mammogram Screening?
A 2D mammogram take pictures of each breast from the front and the side
to create a single image of each breast. A 3D mammogram takes many pictures
of each breast from different angles, showing each layer of breast tissue.
Although the American Cancer Society does not recommend one type of mammogram
over the other, a 3D mammogram can be beneficial to women that have dense
breast tissue (defined as breasts that have a lot of glandular tissue
and not a lot of fat). It may also assist in finding smaller abnormalities
not shown in a 2D, or reduce the number of times women are called back
for further testing.
What is a diagnostic Mammogram?
Diagnostic mammograms are used for women who have symptoms such as pain,
nipple thickening or discharge, lumps, or whose breasts have changed shape
or size. These are also used to evaluate abnormalities detected in a screening
mammogram.
If the radiologist detects abnormalities in a screening mammogram, a diagnostic
mammogram will be ordered to assist in the diagnosis process. Unlike a
screening mammogram, a radiologist will be on hand to immediately interpret
the mammogram results and can order additional magnified images or ultrasound
biopsies. A diagnostic mammogram usually results in the following findings:
- An abnormal trait from the screening mammogram turns out to be normal,
and the patient can resume her annual screenings.
- The abnormal area is not cancerous but should be monitored. The patient
will return in four to six months for additional testing.
- The abnormal area is suspect and biopsy is required. NOTE: Undergoing a
biopsy does not automatically mean it is cancerous.
Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Mobile Mammography unit visits more
than 55 companies and provides approximately 4200 mammograms annually.
Staffed by female certified CVMC medical personnel, the unit features
2D and 3D digital mammography. Our process makes it easier for you to
provide this valuable screening service to your employees close to where
they work and live, resulting in greater compliance with the recommended
screening. For more information about the Mobile Mammogram Unit, contact
Meghan Harmon at
mharmon@cvmc.us or call the Health First Center at 828-465-2300 ext 6201.
Source:
- National Breast Cancer Foundation
- American Cancer Society
- American College of Radiology