Importance of Breast Cancer Screening
Posted on April 19, 2018
Breast cancer is the second most commonly occurring form of cancer in women after skin cancer. It can occur in men as well, but is not very common. Each year in the United States, about 237,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,100 in men.
Mammograms
Mammograms can help find breast cancer early. A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray exam of the breasts to look for changes that are not normal. A mammogram allows the physician to have a closer look for changes in breast tissue that cannot be felt during a breast exam.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their physician about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.
If you have questions about your breast cancer risk, talk with your primary care provider or specialist about your screening options.
Source: www.cdc.gov
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