Standard Recommendation for Screening Mammography at Age 40

9/18/2024

Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer Gives Best Chance of Survival

MOORESVILLE, NC – All medical societies and now the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) are in agreement that average risk women should have screening mammograms at age 40. This is particularly important for Black women, who are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than White women and too often get biologically aggressive cancers at young ages.

Here in North Carolina, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer – at more than double the rate of lung cancer, the next most common cancer. Across the U.S., 272,454 new female breast cancer cases were reported in 2021, the most recent year data is available.

Women with strong family histories of breast cancer, African Americans and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should have a risk assessment at age 25 to see if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40. Women who are high risk, or have been previously diagnosed with breast cancer may be candidates for additional screening with breast MRI.

“Early diagnosis and treatment offer the highest chance of survival for any cancer,” said Michelle Bertsch, M.D., FACS, of Lake Norman Medical Group. “Mammogram can often identify breast cancer before a lump can be felt and before the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Since these cancers are found at an earlier stage, they have better prognosis”.

Early Detection Saves Lives

While mortality from breast cancer has declined in recent years, it remains the second most common cancer causing death in women. Lung cancer is the most common.

Fortunately, a screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Lake Norman Regional Medical Center is encouraging women to schedule their screening now, because when breast cancer is detected early, life-saving treatment can begin right away.

According to the American Cancer Society, women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer found earlier, are less likely to need aggressive treatments like surgery to remove the entire breast (mastectomy) and chemotherapy, and are more likely to be cured.

To schedule a mammogram, call 704-660-4920. Or, to find a primary care doctor, visit LakeNormanMedicalGroup.com.

The Lake Norman Imaging Center is designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in all of the College’s voluntary, breast-imaging accreditation programs, in addition to the mandatory Mammography Accreditation Program. By receiving this designation, Lake Norman Imaging Center is able to provide its patients a facility with high-practicing standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality programs.

Sources:

American College of Radiology
Journal of the American College of Radiology
https://www.breastcancer.org/facts-statistics
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations-for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html
https://gis.cdc.gov/Cancer/USCS/#/AtAGlance/

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