Breast cancer facts: * 90% of women who develop breast cancer DO NOT have a family history of the disease. * Every 2 days in the U.S. approx 998 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and 222 will die of the disease. * In Georgia, only 50% of women over the age of 40 get annual mammograms. The following are recommended breast cancer screening guidelines: • Between ages 20 and 39: Clinical breast exam (an examination of your breasts by your doctor) every one to three years. Self-breast exams should be performed monthly, one week after menses • Age 40 and older: Yearly mammograms and clinical breast exams, continuing for as long as you are in good health. Try to schedule a clinical breast exam at the time of regularly scheduled mammogram and yearly Pap exams. Many insurances will pay for patients to get baseline mammograms at the age of 35 years of age. Check with the patient´s insurance carrier.
• Consider additional screening if you are at risk. Women at increased risk of breast cancer (e.g., family history, genetic predisposition, past breast cancer) should talk to their doctor about the benefits and limitations of starting mammograms earlier, having additional tests (e.g., breast ultrasound or MRI) or having more frequent exams.
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Source: MD Anderson
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Breast Cancer Facts
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