You may know that it is very important for every woman to get screened for breast cancer. However, do you know what all a mammogram entails? Is it a word you are familiar with or is it just another breast cancer word tossed around? Well, here are some great Mammogram and Breast Cancer Screening Facts.

What is a Mammogram?

• A mammogram is simply an x-ray picture of the breast.
• They can be used to check breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease.
• Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.

Clinical Breast Exam

• A clinical breast exam is an examination by a doctor or nurse who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or other changes.

Breast Self-Exam

• You know your breasts better than anyone else. Make sure to do a breast self exam to feel for changes in the size or shape of your breast, or any other changes in the breasts or underarm.

When should I get a Mammogram?

• Women age 40 and older should have mammograms every 1 to 2 years
• Breasts will be least tender the week after your menstrual period begins, so that is a great time to schedule your Mammogram.
• If you have a high risk factor, talk to your doctor about when you should start getting mammograms before the age of 40.
• Routine screening should end at age 74.

High Risks include:

• Personal history of breast cancer
• Family History
• Genetic alterations
• Breast density
• Certain breast changes found on biopsy
• Reproductive and menstrual history
• Long term use of menopausal hormone therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Alcohol
• Body weight
• Physical activity level

Screening vs. Diagnostic Mammograms

• Screening Mammograms usually involve 2 x-rays, one of each breast.
• Diagnostic mammograms usually take longer and take many more x-rays to obtain different views of the breast.

Mammograms and self-screening are the best tools to fight breast cancer. Although, many times when you find cancer by self-screening, it may have grown to a size that is hard to treat. The best way to detect breast cancer is through Mammograms, before the cancer spreads and grows. If you meet the requirements, find a cancer screening company and call to schedule a mammogram today!