The American Cancer Society estimates over 310,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women this year. It is the second most common cancer after skin cancers, accounting for 30% of all new diagnoses. One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.

Breast cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, with over 42,000 projected fatalities in 2024. However, thanks to improved screenings and early detection, death rates have fallen 42% between 1989 and 2001.  

When it comes to these screenings, one of the best tools is a mammogram. Here’s why mammograms are so essential in the fight against breast cancer, and when to consider getting one.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast that can help doctors find early signs of breast cancer. It is considered one of the best ways to detect breast cancer early, sometimes several years before it can be felt.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women get a mammogram every other year starting when they turn 40. Any woman with a close relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had breast cancer should talk to their doctor about getting a mammogram earlier. 

Screening mammograms are done when there are no symptoms or signs of cancer. These usually involve taking at least two images of each breast. When you schedule a mammogram for the first time there are a few things you can do to prepare.

Diagnostic mammograms are done where there is evidence of breast abnormalities like a lump, breast pain, thickening of the skin of the breast, change in breast size, or nipple discharge. These diagnostic tests usually take longer and require more images.

Women with dense breasts may need additional diagnostic tests. Dense breast tissue makes it harder for mammograms to detect cancer because both dense tissue and tumors appear white on the images.

Pros and cons

Early detection with screening mammograms has been shown to reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer in women from 40 to 74. There have been no studies to show the benefits of regular screening before 40.

Just like any health care procedure, patients need to talk with their doctors about the benefits and risks of any screening. While mammograms are a great tool, there are some risks to consider.
 

• False positives — Sometimes radiologists find an abnormality that is not cancer. Any anomaly should be followed up with a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy. These false-positive results can lead to anxiety and are most common in younger women.
• Over-diagnosis and overtreatment — Some screening mammograms find noninvasive tumors in the lining of breast ducts called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). It should be treated but it is not life threatening.
• False negatives — Cancer is missed in about 20% of the screening mammograms. This can lead to delays in treatment. This sometimes occurs when the woman has dense breasts.
• Not always lifesaving — Detection does not always result in a positive outcome. The cancer may have already spread, or the woman may have other life-threatening health conditions.
• Radiation — The amount of radiation from a mammogram is very small, but repeated exposure could cause cancer. The benefits often outweigh the risks, but it is important for the patient to speak with their doctor.

Here for Your Needs

Women have unique health needs at every stage of their lives — from adolescence to motherhood, and beyond! Due to a higher risk of developing breast cancer, heart disease, thyroid issues, and stroke, they need compassionate care that takes all these needs into account.

AltaMed is here to help. Our experienced team of bilingual and caring doctors takes pride in keeping you healthy at every age, offering you personalized, discreet care for your physical and mental well-being.

Through the State of California’s Department of Health Care Services, the Every Woman Counts program (EWC) provides free early detection cancer screenings, including mammograms. Women who don’t qualify for free EWC screenings can ask about referrals for low-cost options.  

Let our team of bilingual certified enrollment counselors help you explore program options that work best for you and your family.