{"id":2034,"date":"2019-10-17T00:11:07","date_gmt":"2019-10-17T00:11:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/blog\/?p=2034"},"modified":"2024-06-04T04:46:29","modified_gmt":"2024-06-04T04:46:29","slug":"schedule-an-annual-mammogram-this-national-mammography-day-it-can-save-your-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/blog\/breast\/schedule-an-annual-mammogram-this-national-mammography-day-it-can-save-your-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Schedule an Annual Mammogram this National Mammography Day. It Can Save Your Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The best way to treat breast cancer is to catch it early. The third Friday in October each year is National Mammography Day<\/strong>, as a reminder to commit to taking care of your own, your partner’s, sisters, mother’s, or daughters breast health by getting an annual check-up, mammogram (if age appropriate), and breast examination.<\/p>\n

Mammograms are considered the standard of care to screen for breast cancer<\/a> <\/strong>because it can detect cancer in its earliest stages, before it can be felt during a self-breast exam.<\/p>\n

Here’s what you need to know about mammograms and getting screened.<\/p>\n

What is a Mammogram?<\/h2>\n

First, it is important to understand the basics of a mammogram. It’s a tool that uses compression and X-ray technology to image your breast.<\/p>\n

There are two types of mammograms:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Screening mammograms <\/strong>are typically done every year to check the breasts for any early signs of breast cancer.<\/li>\n
  2. Diagnostic mammograms <\/strong>focus on getting more information about a specific area (or areas) of concern — usually due to a suspicious screening mammogram or if the patient feels a palpable lump\/mass.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Types of Mammograms<\/h2>\n

    Mammograms offer substantial benefit for women in their 40’s and older to detect cancer earlier. They can also capture tiny changes to the breast, such as calcification’s, that cannot be seen on alternative imaging. Depending on your risk for breast cancer, your doctor may recommend one of the following mammograms:<\/p>\n