• About breast cancer
• About mammography
• Additional resources

About breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among American women, with more than 180,000 women in the U.S. being diagnosed each year. However, when found early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 98 percent. In fact, there are more than two million breast cancer survivors alive in America today.

• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.
• The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer in her life is one in eight.
• The chance of dying from breast cancer is one in 35.
• Early detection and the extent of disease at the time of diagnosis is the best predictor for successful outcomes.
• Early detection is best achieved by obtaining yearly mammograms after the age of 40 (earlier if determined by you and your physician), monthly self breast exams and yearly clinical breast exams (at least every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and yearly after age 40).

Risk factors

• Family or personal history of breast cancer. (However, approximately 80 percent of
• women who get breast cancer do not have a personal or family history of the disease.)
• Advancing age, particularly after the age of 50
• Beginning menstruation before age 12
• Experiencing menopause after age 55
• Never having children or giving birth to your first child after age 30
• Obesity

Symptoms

• New lumps or changes in the size or shape of existing lumps (click here to learn how to perform a breast self exam)
• Change in the shape or contour of a breast or unusual swelling
• Dimpling, puckering, crusting or rash on the skin, especially around the nipple
• Any discharge from the nipple

 
About mammography

• Schedule the test for one week after your period, when your breasts are less tender.
• Make sure your testing center gets your last mammogram if it was done somewhere else. This allows the doctor to compare the two tests.
• Do not use powder or powder deodorant in the underarm area or on your breasts. You will be asked to undress from the waist up for the mammogram, so it may be more comfortable for you to wear slacks or a skirt with a blouse or sweater rather than a dress.
• If you experience discomfort during mammograms, taking an over-the-counter pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol about one hour before the procedure may help.
• Let the technologist know if:
  • You’re pregnant or think you may be
  • You have breast implants
  • You have any scars or moles on or near your breasts
  • You’ve had a breast biopsy or breast surgery
  • You’re breastfeeding

During your mammogram

There are two types of mammograms. A screening mammogram does not require a prescription from a physician and is for asymptomatic patients. A diagnostic mammogram requires an order from a physician and is indicated for the following reason: a new palpable lump, new nipple discharge, history of breast cancer, new localized breast pain, etc.

What do the results mean?

Mammography can detect breast cancer up to two years before it can be felt. While it is a very simple procedure, mammography can increase the diagnosis rate of breast cancer and, in turn, the cure rate by 90 percent or more. Your mammogram will be reviewed by one of our radiologists. Your personal physician will receive a report of the findings and a letter will be sent to you stating the results of your exam. Your letter might indicate the need to return for additional imaging. Don’t panic. Although the technologist checks your films for quality before you leave, she does not interpret them. The radiologist may ask for an additional X-ray view to more clearly see the breast tissue.

Statistically, approximately 12 – 15 percent of screening mammograms will show abnormalities that require follow-up care. This could be a physician consultation, follow-up mammogram or biopsy.

Additional resources:

The Christ Hospital Cancer Center:
www.TheChristHospital.com/cancer

 The Breast Cancer Resource:
www.imaginis.com

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool:
www.cancer.gov/brisktool

National Cancer Institute:
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast

American Cancer Society:
www.cancer.org