Breast Imaging | Breast Cancer Facts

Breast cancer is one of the most common type of non-skin cancer among women in the United States accounting for nearly 1 in 4 cancers in US women. Below are additional facts on breast cancer:

• One out of eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
• Most breast lumps are NOT cancer. More than 80% of biopsied breast abnormalities are proven benign. New, less invasive needle biopsy procedures permit evaluation of breast abnormalities without surgery.
• Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer survive. If detected early, breast cancer has a five-year survival rate of more than 95 percent.
• Know your risk factors. There are many risk factor for developing breast cancer- age, family history, hormonal history are but a few. Talk to you doctor to determine if you considered high risk.
• Breast Cancer can affect men. Approximately 2000 men each year will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Women may develop breast cancer even if they have no family history.

Recommended Health Plan

• Perform a Breast Self Exam Every Month. Women over 20 years of age.
• See your Physician or Gynecologist for a Clinical Breast Exam Once a Year. Women over 20 years of age
• Have a Mammogram Once a Year. Women over 40 and earlier for high risk patients. If you are not sure if you are high risk, consult your doctor.

Radiologic Tests:

The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) provide descriptions of various mammography tests and other procedures on their website: Radiology Info. RadiologyInfo answers patient questions related to many radiologic procedures and therapies.