As the nation marks the annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Cancer Society is encouraging women to fight breast cancer by taking charge of their personal breast health and supporting efforts against the disease. The Society is reminding women 40 and older about the importance of getting a mammogram annually to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. An estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the U.S. in 2008, and about 40,480 deaths are expected.
Studies clearly show that early detection of breast cancer through mammography greatly improves treatment options, the chances for successful treatment and survival. Early-stage breast cancer typically produces no symptoms when the tumor is small and most treatable, so it is important that women follow recommended guidelines for finding breast cancer before it symptoms develop. On average, mammography will detect about 80 percent to 90 percent of breast cancers in women without symptoms.
“Survival rates for breast cancer are significantly higher when the cancer has not spread,” said Otis Brawley, MD, chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society. “Numerous studies have shown that early detection increases treatment options and can save lives. That is why it is so important for women 40 and older to get an annual mammogram.”
The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms and clinical breast exams for women 40 and older and a clinical breast examination at least once every three years for women between the ages of 20 and 39. The Society also recommends magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for certain women at high risk. Women at moderate risk should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram.
Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare Radiology Department offers daytime and evening screening mammography appointments. The evening appointment option is available every Monday until 7:00 PM at the hospital location. Golden Valley Medical Warsaw offers Walk-In daytime screening mammogram appointments on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. To schedule you mammogram, in Clinton, call 890-7145. In Warsaw, call 660-438-5193.