According to data from the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S., second only to skin cancers. Moreover, it is the most common cancer globally, accounting for 12 percent of new cancer cases.
But deaths from breast cancer have been steadily dropping, according to information from Emma White, DO, a women’s health physician at Maria Parham Health. White said deaths from breast cancer have decreased a full percent each year between 2013 and 2018.
And she attributes that decline to early detection – so if you’re a woman and you haven’t scheduled your mammogram yet, there’s no time like the present.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and White said women over the age of 40 should have an annual mammogram. It takes about an hour from start to finish, and it is a key tool to early detection.
Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, a mammogram that picks up a problem could result in easier and more effective treatment.
There are additional risk factors to consider – genetic mutations, sedentary lifestyle, hormone replacement therapy and a history of radiation therapy – but White said 85 percent of breast cancer cases are in women with no family history of the disease.
Schedule a mammogram by calling your primary care provider or call 800.424.DOCS. To learn more about breast cancer, visit breastcancer.org and cdc.gov/cancer/breast.