Mammography saves lives Published Oct. 2, 2012 By Kerry Hudson 81st Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- It's October again and time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. It may seem that breast cancer is on the rise but actually the death rate from breast cancers are down significantly from 10 years ago, almost 60 percent from 2000 to 2010. In 2010, the United States had approximately 38,000 deaths due to breast cancer, down from 74,000 in 2000. Yes, it's true we are diagnosing more breast cancers than in the past. However, because we are finding the cancers at earlier stages, they are more easily treated. Finding the disease in more advanced stages makes it more difficult to treat. Currently, early detection is our best protection against breast cancer. Mammography has received a bad reputation through the years because people say that it hurts and is not natural to be pressed between two pieces of plastic. It is true that the technologist will compress the breast. The compression is necessary to spread the tissue out to be able to distinguish between the differences in tissue types. The compress doesn't last very long - an average of 30 seconds - and the machine automatically releases the compression after the exposure is complete. Mammography equipment has improved along with better trained technologists. In other words, this is not your grandmother's mammogram. Finding the disease at the earliest stage far outweighs the exam's discomfort. Breast imaging has evolved from mammography alone to incorporating other modalities, primarily ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. There is a wealth of information regarding early detection. In 2010, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommended baseline mammograms at age 50 and bi-annual screening images. However, The American Cancer Society released a completely different set of guidelines. They recommend a baseline mammogram at age 40 and annual screening images. Some health-care providers promote breast self-exams and others do not. So, how does one decide which guidelines are the best to follow? Simply contact your primary care provider or your breast imaging center. With any medical treatment or procedure, the individual should make an informed decision weighing risks and benefits with the guidance of health-care professionals. With mammograms, most providers follow the ACS guidelines, with a few exceptions. If a woman has a first-degree relative (mother, sister and/or daughter) with breast cancer, she should begin her mammogram screening 10 years prior to when their relative was diagnosed. For example, if your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45, you get your baseline mammogram at age 35. Most women know their bodies and when something is not right. Breast pain is common and typically not an indicator of breast cancer. A hard lump, greenish or bloody discharge from the nipple, nipple indentation and an orange peel appearance of the skin are signs that you need to make an appointment with your provider. These signs need to be evaluated by a diagnostic mammogram and possibly an ultrasound. Mammography saves lives. For more information or to schedule an appointment 228-376-0475.