Why you should get a mammogram every year

Mammography Screening in New London, Groton, Old Saybrook & Old Lyme, CT

A mammogram is simply an x-ray picture of the breast. It is no surprise that getting a mammogram is something that needs to be done, especially if breast cancer runs in your family. About one in every eight women develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, making it entirely necessary to schedule a mammogram. Instead of worrying that something might not be right, gain the peace of mind of having the scan done.   

The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the outcome

Annual mammograms are extremely important, because it can assist with detecting cancer in the early stages. It is in the early stage of breast cancer when treatment is most successful. Putting off mammograms for years is not ideal, especially if it is an opportunity to catch this early.

Can catch a lump up to two years before it can be felt

Typically, if one doesn’t feel any type of lump then we assume we must be cancer free, but this unfortunately is not the case in some situations. Luckily, a mammogram can detect a lump in it’s very early stages, sometimes even up to two early before it can be felt by touch.

Breast cancer risk increases with age

As many other diseases, the risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. By the age of 40, the risk really begins to increase. The reason why age is such a big factor, is because the longer we live, the more opportunity there is for genetic damage. As we age, our bodies are less capable of repairing genetic damage. The best way to monitor the detection of breast cancer, is to keep up with your annual mammogram.

You will be a role model for others

If you’re someone who continues to go to their annual mammogram, others around you will start to follow in your footsteps. Not only are you guiding others in the right direction when it comes to health, but this can potentially save a life. Someone who you influenced to go for their annual mammogram, could possibly catch breast cancer early enough to effectively treat it. Not only are you benefiting yourself by going, but you may be persuading others along the way.