Ralph Robertson, M.D.
Breast cancer is common, accounting for 25% of all cancers in women. Yearly, about 200,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the United States. Fortunately, the breast cancer death rate has dropped 34% between the years 1990 and 2010. This decrease occurred as the mammography rate increased from 30% to 70% for women 40 and older. Mammography detects breast cancer earlier when treatment is more likely to be successful. As a matter of fact, the overall five-year survival rate of early-stage breast cancer has reached 99%. That is most certainly in part due to better treatment modalities for breast cancer along with early detection, which plays a big role too.
For some women mammograms are uncomfortable, but the potential life-saving benefits should outweigh minor discomfort. After the age of 40-45, a yearly mammogram is highly recommended, as is a yearly breast exam by your medical provider. It is also very important for every woman to know about their family medical history and then discuss it with their doctor. Women at a higher risk of developing breast cancer due to family history need to start screening earlier. This may mean even being evaluated for the BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations (blood test).
The bottom line: Mammography saves lives.
Lackey Free Clinic
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