With October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we thought everyone should be reminded about the importance of mammograms!
In 2008, an estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the
The American Cancer Society recommends the following breast cancer screening guidelines:
Women aged 40 years and older should have an annual mammogram and an annual clinical breast examination (CBE) by a health care professional. Breast self-exam is optional. The CBE should be conducted close to and preferably before the scheduled mammogram.
· Women aged 20 to 39 years should have a clinical breast examination by a health care professional every three years.
Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Breast self-exam is optional for women starting in their 20s.
Women at increased risk (family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should consult their doctor about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests, or having more frequent exams.
The American Cancer Society offers an e-mail system to help women remember their yearly mammograms and remind their family and friends. The Mammogram Reminder System will send out an e-mail each year saying, "Please schedule your mammogram today," and lets you send reminders out to other important women in your life. To sign up for this service go to: http://acsremindme.com/hma/modify_subscription.php?CID=288.
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