Learn the importance of getting an annual screening mammogram.Breast cancer is the single most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women.

What is a screening mammogram?

A mammogram is a noninvasive X-ray used to check breasts for breast cancer and other abnormalities. It is the only test shown to reduce breast cancer deaths. Mammograms can detect cancer early — when most treatable — long before it can be felt. This improves the odds of survival and can help avoid more extensive treatment. A yearly screening mammogram is recommended for women starting at age 40.

What is a diagnostic mammogram?

A diagnostic mammogram is used to check for breast cancer after a lump or another symptom has been identified. Diagnostic mammograms require a longer appointment time than screening mammograms because multiple, more detailed images are taken.

• One in six breast cancers occurs in women aged 40-49.

• One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

• About 1 in 69 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their 40s.

• Mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly 40% since 1990.

• One study shows mammography screening cuts the risk of dying from breast cancer nearly in half.

• Three out of four women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease and are not considered high risk.

• The American College of Radiology (ACR), the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), recommend women receive a screening mammogram every year beginning at age 40, and that all women should have a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25 to determine if they should begin regular screenings earlier.

• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) says screening for breast cancer starting at age 40 can save 19% more lives.

Get the facts about false positives.

Out of every 100 women who get a screening mammogram:

• 90 will be told that their mammograms are normal.

• 10 will be asked to return for additional mammograms or ultrasounds.

• 6 will be reassured that 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.

What factors might increase your breast cancer risk?

You might be at increased risk for breast cancer if you have:

• Family history of breast cancer, colorectal cancer or ovarian cancer.

• Personal history of breast cancer.

• Known genetic mutation predisposing you to breast cancer

• Had radiation therapy close to your chest.

• Had certain “high-risk” results on breast biopsies such as atypias or pre-cancerous lesions.

• Dense breast tissue on mammogram

• Began your menstrual period before age 12 or menopause after age 55.

• Used hormone replace therapy (HRT) with estrogen and progesterone for more than 10 years.

• Personal history of ovarian cancer.

• Recently used birth control pills.

• Never had children, or had your fi rst child after age 30.

• Over age 40. Most breast cancer is diagnosed in women over 40.

• Smoked or used tobacco.

Breast cancer in men is uncommon. This is possibly due to their smaller amount of breast tissue and the fact that men produce fewer hormones such as estrogen that are known to affect breast cancers in women. In fact, only about 1 in 100 breast cancers affect men and approximately 10 men in one million will develop breast cancer. On average, men with breast cancer are diagnosed at age 68.

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Routine exercise

• Limit alcohol and tobacco consumption

• Breastfeeding

• Monthly breast exams and yearly mammograms

Some people are concerned about radiation exposure from the screening.

The fact is the risk of harm from radiation exposure is very small. The actual exposure to radiation during a mammogram is about equivalent to having a dental exam or two hours in the sun. The health benefits of getting a mammogram that may diagnose breast cancer in its early stages outweigh any risk of radiation associated with the exam.

The American College of Radiology (ACR), the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), recommend women receive a screening mammogram every year beginning at age 40, and that all women should have a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25 to determine if they should begin regular screenings earlier.

The fact is that mammography is the best tool available to screen for breast cancer. It has helped reduce the breast cancer death rate in the United States by nearly 40% percent. At present, there are no tests to replace mammography.