A woman’s risk of breast cancer increases over her lifetime. At age 30, about 1 out of 2,525 women will develop breast cancer. By the time a woman reaches eighty years of age the risk will have increased to a 1 in 8 probability.
According to the American Cancer Society recommendations, all women should have a baseline screening mammogram beginning at age 40 and annual screening mammogram thereafter.
Though the cause of breast cancer is unknown, aging and other factors increase the risk of breast cancer including:
- family history (mother, sister, daughter or two or more close relatives) of diagnosis of breast cancer, especially at a young age
- first pregnancy after the age of 30, or no pregnancies
- onset of menstruation before the age of 12
- onset of menopause at a late age
- obesity
- previous personal history of breast cancer
- genetic changes (BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations)
Early Detection
Early detection is imperative for increasing treatment options and chance of survival for those found with breast cancer. It is recommended that women:
- Perform regular breast self-examination
- Have an annual clinical examination by a physician
- Follow American Cancer Society guidelines for mammography
- Baseline study by age 35-40
- Every 1 to 2 years between ages 40-50
- Yearly after age 40
While mammography is currently the most effective method of detecting breast cancer, a diagnosed "normal" or "negative" mammogram does not guarantee the total absence of cancer.
Inland Imaging Breast Diagnostic Centers
Inland Imaging Breast Diagnostic Centers offer a comprehensive program for the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer in a compassionate and caring atmosphere. A trained female technologist performs the mammogram.
Inland Imaging utilizes low-dose radiation imaging techniques for mammography and uses the most modern digital equipment available. If tissue diagnosis is required, Inland Imaging provides several options for minimally invasive diagnosis.
Biopsy of the area of concern can be performed via stereotactic, ultrasound, or MRI guidance, depending on which imaging modality sees the lesion best . If necessary, surgery consultation may be recommended.