Are you overdue for a mammogram? Getting this lifesaving breast cancer screening every year helps your doctor spot signs of cancer long before you may notice any changes in your breasts.
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The American College of Radiology states that mammography screenings have assisted in the reduction of deaths due to breast cancer in the United States by 1/3 since 1990. Regular mammography screenings are the best way to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms can detect the cancer at an early stage, which can lead to early treatment, a wider range of treatment options, and better chances of cure and survival.
If it’s been a while since you had a mammogram, these six reasons just may convince you to pick up the phone and make an appointment today:
1. You may have breast cancer even if you haven’t felt a lump. You may not be able to feel a lump if the cancer is small or deep inside your breast. Mammograms can show masses and other changes in the breasts that can be caused by cancer before they’re otherwise felt. The screenings use low dose X-rays that give doctors a look at the inside of your breasts.
2. The sooner cancer is caught, the better. Your chance of surviving breast cancer is much better if the cancer is found early. The five-year survival rate is 99% if the cancer is found before it spreads outside the breast, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. If found early, your doctor may only need to remove the cancer instead of the entire breast. Follow your doctor’s recommendations to help detect breast cancer early—when it is easiest to treat.
3. You may be more likely to get breast cancer if family members had it. Your chance of getting breast cancer could be higher if someone else in your family had the cancer. If your mother, daughter or sister had breast cancer, your risk could be nearly double. Keep in mind, however, that you can also get breast cancer even if no one in your family has ever had it.
4. The older you are, the higher your risk of breast cancer. You can get breast cancer at any age, but it’s more likely to happen as you get older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that most breast cancers happen in women over 50. The American College of Radiology recommends starting yearly breast cancer screenings at age 40. Women at elevated risk for breast cancer may need to start earlier or supplement with breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
5. Besides age and family history, there are other things that may increase your risk for breast cancer. According to the CDC, factors that may raise your risk of breast cancer are dense breasts, being overweight or having obesity after menopause, having breast cancer in the past, radiation treatment to the chest at a young age, taking certain hormones, starting your period before age 12 or starting menopause after age 55. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors.
6. Mammograms are quick and easy. Getting a mammogram usually takes only 30 minutes or less. Most places that provide screenings offer a choice of appointment times so you can select a time that’s most convenient for you. You might be able to get a screening during your lunch hour, before or after work, or on the weekend.
For comprehensive cancer prevention, detection and treatment, PIH Health is here for you.
PIH Health has mammography centers in Downey and Whitter where you can expect state-of-the-art, accurate and timely breast imaging services from a team that follows the highest standards for safety and quality. We offer 3D digital mammography (tomosynthesis), breast MRI, breast ultrasound, and ultrasound, stereotactic, and MRI-guided breast biopsy. PIH Health Breast Center Whittier is a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, and is also accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, a recognition given to breast centers that provide exceptional care and demonstrate a firm commitment to offering patients significant advantages in their battle against the disease.
When you choose PIH Health for your screening mammogram, you’ll receive a clearer, more accurate picture of your breast, so there’s less chance you’ll need additional tests. That’s because we offer 3D mammograms to all patients. Your care team will take low-dose X-rays of your breast, then use a computer to create a 3D picture. PIH Health also offers convenient digital access to your images through a secure online portal, so you can download, view, and share your images from your computer at any time.
We know early detection of breast cancer offers our patients the greatest chances for survival, so we employ an outstanding team of highly trained, dedicated physicians, technologists, and nurses who are experts in detecting breast cancers and knowledgeable in all aspects of breast health. To schedule your mammogram today at PIH Health Breast Health Center Downey or Whitter, visit PIHHealth.org/Mammogram or call (562) 906-5692.
We know early detection of breast cancer offers our patients the greatest chances for survival, so we employ an outstanding team of highly trained, dedicated physicians, technologists, and nurses who are experts in detecting breast cancers and knowledgeable in all aspects of breast health.
PIH Health’s Cancer Program
PIH Health also offers coordinated breast cancer treatment and care. The PIH Health Cancer Program is comprised of a compassionate team of experts who work together to provide excellent care and treatment for all types of cancer. Our care teams provide patients with access to a broad range of clinical and support services, latest technologies and research at hospitals, oncology offices and treatment centers within the PIH Health network. We offer personalized treatment plans tailored specific to each patient to address and meet their long-term healthcare needs.
Our care teams stay up to date with the latest advancements in chemotherapy and targeted therapies, and use cutting-edge, effective radiation therapy. Patients also have access to an expanded offering of oncological clinical research trials, including the newest treatments and therapies not yet widely available to provide additional options for patients in their battle with cancer. Our wide range of support services, including palliative care, behavioral health resources, nurse navigators, support groups and more are available to help our patients feel better physically and emotionally, and offer guidance and encouragement throughout their cancer journey.
Lisa Wang, MD is medical director of the PIH Health Cancer Program. To learn more about cancer care at PIH Health, visit PIHHealth.org/Cancer. To find a PIH Health Physician near you, visit PIHHealth.org/Find-a-Doctor.
