Today is the 24th annual National Mammography Day! How should you celebrate? By scheduling a mammogram of course! And while you are at it, tell all your friends to schedule one too. Back in 1993, President Bill Clinton declared that the 3rd Friday in October (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month) will be a day to encourage women to make their appointment for a mammogram.
Revolutionary Technology
Doctor Philip Strax was a true pioneer in developing the original technology for mammograms. His motivation came from losing his young wife to breast cancer. In 1963, a study conducted with approximately 30,000 women sought to prove if healthy women with no sign of cancer would benefit from mammogram screenings. This kind of study in the 1960’s was unheard of and revolutionary.
By the early 1970s, the study revealed that women over 50 that received regularly scheduled mammograms died less often from breast cancer. Compared to women who did not receive screenings, growths in the breast tissue were less advanced. This amazing discovery changed the breast cancer screening world. Now there was finally proof that screenings helped early detection of breast cancer, resulting in early treatment of the disease.
Why is it important to get a mammogram?
One in every eight women in their lifetime are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the 2nd
Calendar reminder mammogram
leading cause of cancer death among women according to the National Breast Cancer website. Ultimately, mammograms provide early detection of breast cancer. Early detection will allow early treatment to eliminate the cancer before it becomes more advanced.
Breast cancer related deaths have reduced in the U.S. by 40% since 1990 because of mammograms. For every 1,000 screenings, there are 100 women recalled for a follow-up due to irregular breast tissue. Do not put off your mammography appointment! Doctors recommend that you get an annual mammogram if you are 40 or older. If you are at high risk of breast cancer because you have a family history of it, then you should start screening earlier than 40. Talk with your physician about your family history and whether or not you should schedule your annual mammograms earlier than age 40.
Schedule your mammography appointment today!
Do not delay, schedule your mammogram today! Not sure where to get a mammogram, or can’t afford one? Contact these organizations for free information:
- National Cancer Institute (1-800-4-CANCER)
- American College of Radiology (1-800-227-5463)
- American Cancer Society (1-800-ACS-2345)
- National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (1-888-842-6355)
Do you have a history of cancer in your family? Protect yourself and get a FREE quote on a cancer plan right now!
