In Case You Were Wondering, Here is the Case for Getting Your Mammogram
Statistics indicate that one in eight American women will develop breast cancer. This type of cancer is second only to lung cancer in terms of death in women. Even with these numbers, many women question whether or not they should get their mammogram. Here, we discuss why the answer to that question is a resounding yes.
Mammogram screenings are a type of x-ray. This imaging test is the best method we currently have for detecting breast cancer early, when the likelihood of successful treatment is high. The benefits of mammogram screenings are immense, which is one reason the American Cancer Society recommends that women with a normal risk of breast cancer begin mammogram screenings at age 40.
Sure, a mammogram may not sound like the funniest thing to do, but that’s not the purpose. The purpose is to potentially save a life. As if that is not reason enough to contact us for your 3D mammogram today, here are a few more reasons why you’ll want to make that call sooner rather than later.
- Breast cancer isn’t always obvious. We mentioned that mammography is currently the best resource we have for catching breast cancer early. This screening can find abnormalities within the breast tissue well before a lump is felt. Self-exams, too, tend to only identify changes when a lump is relatively sizable. Mammography shows breast changes as small as a grain of sand.
- Breast cancer is 99% curable when detected early. Mammograms don’t prevent breast cancer, but they can prevent death when a woman is screened early and regularly as recommended by her doctor. Catching signs of breast cancer early can prevent diseased cells from spreading to other parts of the body.
- Breast cancer risks may not be what you think. Women tend to think that they are safe not getting their mammograms because no one in their family has had the disease. Studies indicate that family history is only one factor that can contribute to breast cancer. Additional factors include age, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, obesity. About 85% of breast cancer cases have no family history.
We know that most women do not look forward to getting mammograms. PURE Mammography on Long Island was established with this in mind. Our facility is designed with a spa-like atmosphere and all of our mammograms use 3D technology for the best clarity and accuracy. We take walk-ins. No referral is needed. However, you may want to schedule your screening at 631-652-3424 to avoid wait time.