The Importance of Mammography Screening

Breast Cancer Detection: The Importance Of Mammography Screening

Breast cancer screening is essential to early detection. Susan G. Komen for the Cure® , the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American College of Radiology, and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend:

• A mammogram every year starting at age 40.
• For women at high risk for developing breast cancer — screening at a younger age and supplementation of mammography with additional imaging studies.

Early breast cancer detection through screening mammography is the most effective way to reduce mortality from the disease and is, in fact, the only method so far proven to reduce deaths due to breast cancer. Early detection has also been shown to lead to less intensive treatments, including lumpectomy rather than mastectomy, and less of a need for chemotherapy in some cases.
While mammography is considered the gold standard for early breast cancer detection and the only imaging study shown to decrease mortality from the disease — it is important for all women to note that:

• Mammography alone, whether digital mammography or the so-called film-screen mammography, does not find all breast cancers.
• It is estimated that mammography misses around 20% of breast cancers.
• In some women — typically those with dense breast tissue — mammography may be less sensitive than other types of imaging. As such, in addition to mammography, some women may benefit from breast ultrasound, which has been shown to find some of the cancers missed on mammography.
• MRI is another increasingly important imaging examination for early breast cancer detection. It is not used as a routine screening examination except in high risk women, which includes women with a mutation (or abnormality) in one of the BCRA (breast cancer) genes.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, along with the other major medical and advocacy organizations, continue to recommend yearly screening mammography beginning at age 40 for women at average risk of breast cancer. They support yearly screening mammography because nearly 70% of American women newly-diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors for the disease, including no family history of breast cancer. For women at high risk for developing breast cancer — screening at a younger age may be appropriate. We also recommend that all women discuss with their physician whether an additional imaging examination such as ultrasound or MRI may be appropriate.
While monthly self breast examinations and annual clinical breast examination by an experienced health care professional are less effective than a mammogram, MRI, sonogram, or other imaging study for early detection, breast self awareness is very important so that you will know what is normal for you.
And, of course, do not hesitate to contact your health care provider right away if you notice any of the following breast changes:

• Lump, hard knot or thickening.
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening.
• Change in size or shape of the breast.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin.
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple.
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast.
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly.
• New pain in one spot that does not go away.