Why mammograms are important

One in five people in the United States currently have or will have a sexually transmitted disease STD at some point in their life. If you have breast cancer, an early diagnosis is essential for a successful recovery.

Learn more about the importance of annual mammograms and when you should start scheduling your preventive screening. Some respiratory conditions are more serious than others. Learn how to recognize the signs of respiratory distress. Learn more about the common STDs you can screen for today. The Importance of Routine Mammograms. You Might Also Enjoy Mammograms save lives. It is estimated that 1 in 8 BC women will get breast cancer in their lifetime.

Mammograms are safe and effective. Your breast cancer risk increases with age. Page printed:. Experts recommend that women age 40 and over have annual mammograms. In the past controversy existed about whether or not women should get mammograms between the ages of 40 and However, studies have shown that breast cancer tends to be more aggressive in women in this age group so it is especially important for women to get their annual mammograms starting at age Major risk factors of breast cancer include age, genetics, and breast density.

The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. After age 50, the probability of developing breast cancer within 10 years is 1 in Women who have a close relative who has had breast cancer are also at increased risk; about 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases result from gene mutations that are inherited.

Women with dense breast tissue as seen by mammography, have a significantly increased risk compared to those without dense breasts.

However, women without any risk factors for breast cancer still should get annual mammograms because the great majority of breast cancer patients have no risk factors at all.

Discuss your personalized screening plan with your healthcare provider. Learn more about mammograms. Create a profile for better recommendations. Breast implant illness BII is a term that some women and doctors use to refer to a wide range Next Slideshow.

Was this article helpful? Can we help guide you?