To Your Health-Oct. 9, 2008

Promise yourself to get mammography

By Dr. Terry Shlimbaum, Special Writer
   Of all our promises to ourselves, the one to obtain a yearly mammogram can be our most important.
   Mammograms can detect abnormal breast tissue and lumps up to two full years before they can be felt.
   Women over 50 years of age develop 80 percent of all breast cancers. For this age group, up to one-third of all cancer deaths could be prevented with an annual screening mammogram.
   In the past, women were advised to have annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40. However, the thinking has changed.
   The National Cancer Institute now urges women to discuss their personal risk factors with their physician and develop a breast screening schedule that is most appropriate for their particular situation.
   Women with a history of breast cancer in their immediate family, such as a mother, aunt or sister, may begin screening as early as 35.
   A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast. Screening mammograms evaluate breast health in women with no symptoms and are used for those who seek routine breast evaluation.
   Diagnostic mammograms are used to diagnose breast disease in women with symptoms of a breast problem: dimpling or a change in texture of the skin of the breast, a lump or discharge from the nipple.
   Mammography is most accurate for women over 50 years of age as the composition of breast tissue changes with age. Younger women may have very dense breast tissue, which is more difficult to read on mammography.
   Schedule your mammogram today; call 908-788-6388.