CHI Franciscan - Highline

SCREENING MAMMOGRAMS ARE your best defense against breast cancer because they help discover it in early stages. CHI Franciscan Health follows screening guidelines set forth by the American Cancer Society and American College of Radiology, which recommend women with an average risk of developing breast cancer begin annual mammography screenings after their 40th birthday. An overwhelming amount of scientifi c evidence suggests that starting annual mammograms at age 40— an age when breast tissue has become less dense than in earlier years and makes abnormal growths visible via mammography—saves lives. Nearly one-sixth of breast cancers occur in women under age 50, and breast cancers can be more aggressive in younger women. Over the last three years, a number of women in their 40s from the communities we serve have been diagnosed with breast cancers that would have remained undetected had it not been for screening. These women had no symptoms, and the overwhelming majority did not have a signifi cant family history of breast cancer. Experts here recommend early and regular screenings. Early detection of breast cancer improves survival rates and greatly increases the chance of a cure. CONTINUING SCREENING FOR ADDED SECURITY There is limited scientifi c data to support the notion that screening women over age 74 saves lives. With the high incidence of breast cancer among older women, we support those who decide to continue screening beyond their 75th birthday. However, in this age group, mammography screening should be individualized, You need a mammogram to protect your breast health, but guring out when and how often to get screened can be tricky because screening guidelines vary. Here's what you should know. Clarifying the BREAST CANCER SCREENING Dilemma CHI FRANCISCAN HEALTH /// chifranciscan.org 8

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