Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in American women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. SIMED Board Certified Radiologist Heather Carpenter, MD gives us some insight on how being consistent with your screenings and how having regular mammograms can reduce your risk. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Studies have shown that the combination of a clinical breast examination and screening mammography has increased breast cancer detection rates and the number of cancers detected at earlier stages, thus lowering the rate of breast cancer deaths among women ages 40 to 74.  Screening mammograms are used to check for breast cancer in women who have no sign or symptoms of the disease.  In a screening mammogram, two pictures requiring very small doses of radiation are taken of each breast and interpreted by a radiologist. Please talk with your doctor about the benefits and harms of mammography, when to start screening, and how often to be screened.

At SIMED Imaging & Diagnostics we are an ACR certified to provide screening mammography. For more information please contact your SIMED provider to see what is the right approach for your health.