MEMORIAL’S GUIDE TO HEALING AND WELLNESS •
FALL 2016
Nonprofit Org.
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ONFUSED about mammograms? It’s
no surprise. With all the contradictory
information out there, you may wonder
when you need a mammogram—or even if you
do. Take a deep breath. Here are four key facts
about these breast x-rays you can trust.
1.
Mammograms are still No. 1 for early
detection.
They may spot a tumor up to three
years before it’s big enough to feel. Treatment is
more likely to be a success when breast cancer is
caught early.
This doesn’t mean mammograms are per-
fect. They may miss some cancers or cause false
alarms. But all medical tests have limitations.
And most doctors agree that mammograms help
save thousands of women’s lives every year.
2.
You have a choice about when to be
screened.
After a thorough review of mammo-
grams’ risks and benefits, the American Cancer
Society (ACS) now advises most women to start
yearly screening at age 45—not 40. And this
more conservative approach also calls for women
to switch to screening every two years at age 55.
But the guidelines also emphasize that
women who want to start yearly screening at 40
should still have that choice. They also say that
women 55 and older who want to continue with
yearly mammograms should have this option too.
So talk with your doctor about what’s best for
you. And remember: Your preferences matter.
3.
You probably don’t need the extra protec-
tion of an MRI.
The ACS advises women at
high risk for breast cancer—for example, those
with certain genetic mutations—to get an MRI
plus a mammogram every year. But for women
at average risk, MRIs aren’t necessary.
4.
Most callbacks aren’t cancer.
If doctors see
something suspicious on your mammogram,
they’ll ask you to return for a repeat x-ray or
other tests. Try not to be alarmed. Less than
10 percent of women who need more tests turn
out to have cancer.
4 key facts
MAMMOGRAMS
October is
Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
The best protection is early
detection. Call
(606) 598-5104
to get your screening scheduled today.
KEY SCREENING TESTS
By age for
WOMEN
CHLAMYDIA
All ages—test yearly through age 24 if sexually active.
BLOOD PRESSURE
Be screened at least every 2 years.
CHOLESTEROL
Be screened every 4 to 6 years.
CERVICAL CANCER
Starting at 21, have a Pap test every 3 years.
CHLAMYDIA
Continue screening, depending on risk factors.
DIABETES
Be screened at least every 3 years (or earlier based
on risk factors).
BREAST CANCER
Start having mammograms.
COLORECTAL CANCER
Talk to your doctor about screening options.
LUNG CANCER
Be screened annually based on your history of
smoking.
OSTEOPOROSIS
Start screening (or earlier based on risk factors).
CERVICAL CANCER
Have a Pap test plus an HPV test every 5 years
(preferred) or a Pap test every 3 years.*
20
25
30
45
50
55
65
These recommendations are for most women. Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.
*Women who have been screened regularly and had normal results can stop screening at age 66.
Sources: American Cancer Society; American Heart Association; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services