Valuable Early Detection Tool

DID YOU KNOW? Mammograms are the most valuable early detection method because they can identify breast cancer at an early stage, usually before physical symptoms develop.

IMPACT: Because of increased use of mammography and improved treatments, more breast cancers are detected early, and more women are surviving breast cancer.
TAKE ACTION: Spread the word about breast cancer early detection. Contact the American Cancer Society today at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org to find out more.

Why it's important: A mammogram is one of the best tools available for catching breast cancer early, when tumors are small and easier to treat successfully. That's why the American Cancer Society and many other organizations recommend regular mammograms for all women 40 and older. If the group of women not following this recommendation is getting larger, as these studies suggest, experts fear this will lead to more women being diagnosed with advanced disease that is harder to control. And ultimately that will translate into higher breast cancer death rates overall."That's the thing we worry about the most," says lead researcher Nancy Breen, PhD, of the National Cancer Institute. "Women who weren't diagnosed early because they didn't get their on-schedule mammogram might be diagnosed later with a later stage of cancer."

I just read yesterday a study has shown that mammography rates are going down in the US. In the latest one, researchers from the National Cancer Institute find that the trend is national and not restricted to just a few states. The decline raises troubling questions for those concerned with lowering the toll breast cancer takes in the US.

This morning at 8 am I had my annual Mammogram. Have you had yours? If not, make your appointment today!