According to the CDC, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a yearly campaign intended to educate people about the importance of early screening, preventive testing, and more. This campaign starts on October 1 and ends on October 31 every year.
The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF)* recommends biennial screening mammography for women ages 50 to 74 years. Check with your physician for a recommended screening schedule based on your personal health risks.
The decision to start screening earlier, between 40 and 49, is an individual one. While screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 may reduce the risk of breast cancer deaths, the number of deaths avoided is smaller than that in older women and the number of unnecessary biopsies is larger. Women with a parent, sibling, or child with breast cancer are at higher risk and thus may benefit from beginning screening in their 40’s.
The advantages of getting a mammogram are well documented including:
- Reducing the risk of dying from breast cancer. Of 1,000 women who have a mammogram every 2 years for 20 years, 7 deaths are prevented.
- Screening on a schedule often allows for the detection of cancers at an early stage of development and planning for appropriate treatment options.
- Allowing women to know the health of their breasts.
Wellview supports the USPSTF recommendations for mammography and includes a screening questionnaire in our own health assessment survey. You can learn more and access cancer prevention resources at Wellview's Breast Cancer Awareness page.
Don’t hesitate! Schedule your mammogram for the month of October to support breast cancer awareness month and be a role model. This test may save your life!
Click HERE to learn more about the Wellview services available to you. We can’t wait to work with you!
– SHERREE TELFORD, RD, LDN, CDE, CHWC
Wellview Director of Specialized Solutions
