Breast Cancer By The Numbers
Annual screening mammogram
Learn the importance of getting an annual screening mammogram. Breast cancer is the single most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women.
WHY ARE ANNUAL MAMMOGRAMS IMPORTANT?
A mammogram is a noninvasive X-ray used to check breasts for breast cancer and other abnormalities. It is the only test shown to reduce breast cancer deaths. Mammograms can detect cancer early — when most treatable — long before it can be felt. This improves the odds of survival and can help avoid more extensive treatment. A yearly screening mammogram is recommended for women starting at age 40.
A diagnostic mammogram is used to check for breast cancer after a lump or another symptom has been identified. Diagnostic mammograms require a longer appointment time than screening mammograms because multiple, more detailed images are taken.
WHY START AT 40?
One in six breast cancers occurs in women aged 40 to 49, and about 1 in 69 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their 40s. Overall, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
Mammography screening has proven remarkably effective. It has reduced breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly 40% since 1990. One study shows that mammography screening cuts the risk of dying from breast cancer nearly in half. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says screening starting at age 40 can save 19% more lives.
Three out of four women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease and are not considered high risk. This means that most women who develop breast cancer have no obvious warning signs.
What Factors Might Increase Your Breast Cancer Risk?
Several factors can increase your risk for breast cancer. Family or personal history of breast, ovarian, or colorectal cancer raises your risk, as do known genetic mutations. Previous radiation therapy near your chest or high-risk biopsy results also increase risk.
Hormonal factors play a significant role. These include early periods (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), and long-term hormone replacement therapy. Recent birth control pill use, never having children, or having your first child after age 30 can also increase risk.
Dense breast tissue on mammograms makes detection harder and increases risk. Being over 40 is a major factor, as most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over this age. Smoking and tobacco use also elevate risk.
Prevention and Mammography Safety
You can take steps to reduce your breast cancer risk by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising routinely, and limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption. Breastfeeding when possible also helps lower risk. Perform monthly breast self-exams and get yearly mammograms starting at age 40. Some people worry about radiation exposure from mammograms, but the risk is very small.
The radiation during a mammogram equals a dental exam or two hours in the sun. The health benefits of early cancer detection far outweigh any minimal radiation risk from the screening.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The American College of Radiology (ACR), the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), recommend women receive a screening mammogram every year beginning at age 40, and that all women should have a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25 to determine if they should begin regular screenings earlier.
The fact is that mammography is the best tool available to screen for breast cancer. It has helped reduce the breast cancer death rate in the United States by nearly 40% percent. At present, there are no tests to replace mammography.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Women should begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend starting earlier. Talk to your doctor about the best screening schedule for your individual situation.
If you’re a woman over 40, you don’t need a physician referral for a screening mammogram at Inland Imaging. However, you must provide the name of your healthcare provider so we can send them your results.
A screening mammogram is a routine preventive exam for women without symptoms. A diagnostic mammogram is performed when you’re experiencing symptoms like breast pain, lumps, or nipple discharge, or when additional imaging is needed after an abnormal screening. Diagnostic mammograms require a physician referral.
You can schedule your annual screening mammogram online through the patient portal, or call Inland Imaging at 509-455-4455 or toll-free at 1-800-826-2944. Most diagnostic imaging appointments are scheduled by your physician’s office.
Yes, Inland Imaging offers 3D mammography (also called breast tomosynthesis), which provides more detailed images than traditional 2D mammography. This advanced technology can improve cancer detection rates and reduce the need for follow-up imaging.
Your results will be sent to your healthcare provider, typically within a few days of your exam. You can also access your results through the Inland Imaging patient portal. If additional imaging is needed, our staff will contact you directly to schedule a follow-up appointment.
Accredited Excellence
Nationally ranked for excellence, we are the region’s only Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence recognized by the American College of Radiology. From convenient appointments to the highest levels of technology and expertise in the region, everything we do is built around you.