Healthy Breast Care thru Breast Cancer Screenings
There is no better way to fight breast cancer than to detect the disease in its earliest stages. That’s why regular mammograms and risk assessments are so important. Early detection saves lives. In turn, the key to early detection is awareness. Women who never think about getting checked or who do not understand the risks of breast cancer are far less likely to discover the disease in its earliest and most treatable stages.
When should I start Breast Cancer Screenings?
The Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center encourages women to follow the American Cancer Society recommendations for early breast cancer detection.
- Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
- Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional, at least every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.
- Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away.
- Women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.
Click here for more information from the American Cancer Society.
Breast Cancer Screenings Serving the Windber and Johnstown area
Our breast care services include:
