{"id":13255,"date":"2024-09-04T13:27:28","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T13:27:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/?p=13255"},"modified":"2024-09-04T18:43:42","modified_gmt":"2024-09-04T18:43:42","slug":"5-reasons-to-get-a-mammogram","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2024\/09\/04\/5-reasons-to-get-a-mammogram\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Reasons to Get a Mammogram"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"5<\/p>\n

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, with about one in eight women (roughly 13%) in the U.S. expected to develop it during their lifetime. For women with an average risk, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper<\/a> recommends starting annual screenings at age 40. Mammograms are a key tool in early detection, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMammograms are the gold standard for breast cancer detection,\u201d says <\/span>Catherine Loveland-Jones, MD, MS, FACS<\/span><\/a>, MD Anderson at Cooper breast surgeon and Co-Director of the Janet Knowles Breast Cancer Center<\/a>. \u201cThey can detect changes in the breast up to two years before a lump can be felt, allowing for more treatment options and less invasive procedures.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are five reasons to get a mammogram.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

#1 – Mammography Saves Lives<\/h3>\n

Early detection of breast cancer through mammography significantly increases the chances of survival. According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is as high as 99%. Early detection allows for a broader range of treatment options, often less aggressive than those needed for more advanced cancer, which can lead to better outcomes and a higher quality of life. The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat successfully.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0#2 – Breast Cancer Can\u2019t Always Be Felt<\/h3>\n

\u201cMany types of early-stage breast cancer don’t show noticeable signs or symptoms,\u201d says <\/span>Donna Wilson, DO, FACOI<\/span><\/a>, primary care physician at Cooper Primary Care at Seaville. \u201cEven if you perform regular self-exams, breast cancer might still go undetected until it\u2019s advanced. That\u2019s why relying solely on self-exams or waiting for symptoms to appear can be risky.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mammograms are sensitive enough to detect microcalcifications\u2014tiny deposits of calcium that can indicate the presence of breast cancer, even before a tumor has formed. This is particularly important because cancers detected at an earlier stage tend to be smaller and more localized to the breast tissue, which increases the chances of successful treatment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

#3 – <\/strong>Risk of Breast Cancer Increases With Age<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Age is one of the most significant risk factors for breast cancer. The risk of developing breast cancer increases as women age, especially after 40. The majority of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 50. As you age, your risk of breast cancer continues to rise, which is why regular screening becomes increasingly important. Annual or mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

#4 – No Family History? You Still Need a Mammogram.<\/h3>\n

A common misconception is that only those with a family history of breast cancer are at risk. In reality, about 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. This means that even if you have no family history of breast cancer, you should still prioritize regular mammogram screenings. Regular mammograms are vital for all women, as they provide a baseline for what is normal for their breast tissue and help detect any changes over time.<\/span><\/p>\n

#5 – Early Detection Leads to More Treatment Options<\/h3>\n

Finding breast cancer early not only improves survival rates but expands treatment options. Early-stage breast cancer can often be treated with less invasive surgical procedures, such as lumpectomy instead of mastectomy, and may not require chemotherapy.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, the ability to treat cancer early can lead to a lower likelihood of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body, which can make treatment more straightforward.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Make an Appointment Today<\/h3>\n

With several locations throughout the region, we make it easy to schedule your mammogram. Choose the location most convenient for you,\u00a0 and call or use the appointment form to schedule.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cooper Breast Imaging Centers<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n