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Breast Cancer Screening
The Importance of Breast Cancer Screening
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a great time to bring awareness to the importance of early breast cancer screening. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women, and early detection can help to improve survival rates (1). Screening is performed by having a mammogram, an x-ray of the breast which can detect cancer. It’s important to talk to your doctor about prevention and early screening.
Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
– If you are 40-49: talk with your doctor about when to start getting a mammogram, and how often they are needed
– If you are 50-74: it’s important to get a mammogram every 2 years, or more often if you choose
When you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, it’s important to discuss with your doctor if other testing guidelines will be needed. Additional testing guidelines can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/pdf/BreastCancerScreeningGuidelines.pdf
In addition, you can perform self breast cancer checks one time a month, to help determine any changes in breast tissue. Early prevention is key to finding and treating breast cancer.
Michelle Webb, PT, DPT
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