According to the National Consumers League, don't become a breast cancer statistic. Breast cancer is highly detectable through mammography screening. The earlier it is discovered, the greater a woman's chance for survival. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women between the age of 40 to 55. Because of this reality, a brochure -- Mammograms: Consumer Guide to Breast Cancer Detection -- is made available online as a PDF document. The brochure covers breast cancer facts; screening methods, frequently asked questions; reducing your breast cancer risks, and tips to take before mammography screening.
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, works to identify, protect, represent, and advance the economic and social interests of consumers and workers.
1. MOST breast cancer is detectable with a mammogram but not all of them. It is important to remember that there are other techniques that can be used such as ultrasound and MRIs.
Some women are so young when they discover a problem in their breasts that a mammogram is the last thing that will work to determine any problems. Plus, the very thing that is being used to detect breast cancer is also a know cause of cancer...x-rays. But there is likely not a better choice for many people.
Also, even in older women some types of breast cancer are very hard to find using a mammogram. Lobular cancers, at the back of the breast, may be very difficult to find with a mammogram. Inflammatory cancer typically doesn't have a tumor and is not quite so easy to diagnose.
Bottom line? ANY suspicious thing going on in the breast, no matter what your age, deserves some sort of medical attention and proper diagnosis, whether with a mammogram or other technique. Don't let your age stop you from getting the proper medical attention when you find a lump or other sign of breast cancer.
Posted at 7:11PM on Jul 3rd 2006 by MaryD