Article 3 Spotlight on Mammography
SPOTLIGHT ON MAMMOGRAPHY
If your over 40, there's no excuse
October 16, 2009 is National Mammography Day, a time for women to remember the importance of early detection, and, if you’re 40 or older, to schedule an annual mammogram.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American women. Fortunately, when diagnosed at a localized stage, the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer is 98%. Early detection is critical, and an annual mammogram is the best method for detecting breast cancer in its beginning stages.
Going Digital
A mammogram is simply an X-ray of the breast. One of the most recent advances in early breast cancer detection is the use of digital mammography. Digital mammography is twice as fast as conventional film-based mammography. It also produces images that are much clearer and more detailed, giving physicians more information for a more precise and accurate diagnosis. Digital mammography also uses less radiation and is generally more comfortable for the patient.
Digital mammography is especially effective for women under 50. Indeed, the American College of Radiology estimates that digital mammography detects 28 percent more cancers than conventional mammography techniques for women in this age group, as well as women who have breast tissue that is dense or difficult to image.
No ExcusesCost should never be an issue. Most private health insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, cover mammograms. If you do not have health insurance, free or low-cost mammograms are still available. Contact our hospital or your local public health office for more information.
And please remember, a breast self-exam should never be a substitute for a mammogram exam. It’s a proven fact that an annual mammogram reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer by 30 to 40 percent.
Schedule one today!
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