Eight Reasons to Get a Mammogram
- You are a woman, you are at risk for developing breast cancer
- One in 10 American women will develop breast cancer
- A woman’s chance of getting breast cancer rises as she ages…
by age 30… 1 out of 2,525
by age 40… 1 out of 217
by age 50… 1 out of 50
by age 60… 1 out of 24
by age 70… 1 out of 14
by age 80… 1 out of 10
- Currently, mammography is the best way to find cancer in its earliest stages, years before a lump can be felt.
- If breast cancer is detected in its earliest form, 90% of the cases can be treated successfully.
- Early detection gives you many more options if you are diagnosed with breast cancer.
- A mammogram is simple.
- The National Cancer Institute and 11 other leading medical organizations urges all women age 40 and older to get mammograms and clinical breast exams yearly
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You owe it to yourself…. Schedule a mammogram today!
After the Mammogram
Follow up on your results. Learning the results of your mammogram is very important. Chances are your mammogram will be normal. But do not assume that your mammogram is normal just because you have not received your results. If you do not receive your results within 10 days, call your physician. If your mammogram shows some changes, the radiologist may recommend that you come back for some “special” additional views. Sometimes, the radiologist may even recommend that you have a biopsy. A biopsy is a way to obtain a small amount of breast tissue to be studied further under a microscope. Occasionally, a biopsy is needed because of something your doctor found in checking your breasts, even though your mammogram was found normal.
If your mammogram uncovers a problem or a need to check something further:
- Make sure you understand what you need to do next
- Always get the results of any test that you have
- Ask questions about your results if something is not understood
Mammography is very effective, but it does not detect all breast problems. Call your doctor if you notice:
- A lump or thickening of the breast
- A discharge from the nipple
- Skin changes in the breast
- Or a dimpling effect that has recently occurred
For general information on breast cancer and mammography, contact:
Cancer Information Service
1-800-4-CANCER
American Cancer Society
1-800-227-2345
Mammography Department
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