Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, however if caught early, breast cancer can be successfully treated and cured.
Health experts say 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in her lifetime which is why they recommend regular screenings, specifically through mammography. Results from decades of research clearly show that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer found earlier, are less likely to need aggressive treatments like surgery to remove the entire breast and are more likely to be cured.
"As one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, it's important to emphasize that early detection saves lives," said Illinois State Representative Haas. "I encourage everyone, regardless of gender, to learn more about breast cancer. Together, we can raise awareness, educate others, and encourage the women in our lives to get their mammograms."
The American Cancer Society provides these mammography guidelines for women at average risk for breast cancer:
- Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
- Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
- Have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of about 20% to 25% or greater, according to risk assessment tools that are based mainly on family history
- Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation (based on having had genetic testing)
- Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, and have not had genetic testing themselves
- Had radiation therapy to the chest before they were 30 years old
- Have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or have first-degree relatives with one of these syndromes
Mammograms are non-invasive low-dose x-rays of the breast. Regular mammograms can help find breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most likely to be successful. A mammogram can often find breast changes that could be cancer years before physical symptoms develop. It is the only test shown to reduce breast cancer deaths.
What happens after you receive a screening mammogram
According to the American College of Radiology, out of 100 women who get a screening mammogram:
- 90 will be told their mammograms are normal
- 10 will be asked to return for additional screening or ultrasound, of those 10
- 6 will be assured their mammograms are normal
- 2 will be asked to return in 6 months for a follow-up exam
- 2 will be recommended to have a needle biopsy
- One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime
- Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women 20 to 59
- One in six breast cancers occurs in women in their 40s
- Three out of four women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease and are not considered high risks
- More than 360,000 women and nearly 3,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024
- In Illinois, about 11,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year
- Mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly 40% since 1990
- Black, Hispanic and Asian women are at particularly high risk of developing aggressive forms of early onset breast cancer, particularly in their 40s
- Ashkenazi Jewish women have a much higher risk of having a founder mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes — about a 1 in 40 risk
- When detected early, in its localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 99%
- Women who do not get screened and develop breast cancer in their 40s are almost 3.5 times more likely to need a mastectomy and 2.5 times more likely to need chemotherapy
How to prepare for your mammogram A mammogram is an important step in taking care of yourself. Knowing what to expect can help the process go more smoothly.
How to Schedule a Mammogram. The mammogram scheduling process can sometimes be confusing or stressful, learn what to expect, and how to navigate the scheduling process.
4 Things to Share at Your Next Mammogram. Mammograms can cause some anxiety and even slight discomfort at times. Be equipped to advocate for your best, most comfortable mammogram experience.
Early detection is the most effective way to beat breast cancer and mammograms are the first line of defense. This simple test saves lives and it may save yours too.
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Read more:
American Cancer Society
Susan G. Komen
American College of Radiology
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Read more:
American Cancer Society
Susan G. Komen
American College of Radiology