Facing the prospect of an annual breast screening can be daunting for many women, but the importance of these screenings cannot be overstated.
Regular breast screenings are a crucial tool in the early detection of breast cancer, as they significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and survival. It is an important part of maintaining your overall health -- just like a routine teeth cleaning.
By making these screenings a priority, women can take proactive steps to safeguard their health and empower themselves with knowledge and peace of mind.
Breast health education and mammograms are imperative for early detection of breast cancer because it is one of the most common cancers in women. In fact, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Even though the recommended age to begin screening mammograms for women with average risk is 40, all women should begin monthly breast self-exams at the age of 20.
[Related: Click here to learn how to perform a self-exam.]
According to Solis Mammography, by age 25, women should develop a risk factor assessment and breast health action plan with their primary care physician.
Women who are at average risk should begin their annual mammograms at the age of 40. The initial screening is called a baseline mammogram. This one is important because it determines your breast density.
“Some women have more dense tissue,” said Dr. Chirag R. Parghi, chief medical officer at Solis Mammography. “When you have more dense tissue, it can increase your breast cancer risk, and it can be harder to find breast cancer on the mammogram, so it’s especially important to know your breast tissue.”
Although breast cancer is not preventable, early detection leads to an almost 100% cure rate.
“We can now catch cancers smaller than five millimeters,” Parghi said. “The earlier you catch it -- large cohorts of data have shown -- the higher the survival.”
Beyond the baseline mammogram, doctors say there is no age at which you should stop getting an annual mammogram. According to Solis Mammography, the second biggest risk of getting breast cancer -- after simply being a woman -- is aging. The median age of women diagnosed with breast cancer is 62.
“What I tell women in their 70s is you have a long trajectory ahead of you,” said Parghi. “We catch a lot of breast cancer in women in their 70s and can help those patients live longer.”
Lowering your risk
Doctors say there several actions women can take that can impact their risk of getting breast cancer. A few things to know:
Daily exercise. Just 30 minutes a day has shown to decrease the incidence of breast and other cancers.
Reduce alcohol intake. Several studies have shown that women who drink alcohol have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than those who do not.
Maintain a normal body mass index (BMI). Fat cells produce estrogen. For every 11 pounds a woman gains after menopause, their breast cancer risk increases by 3%.
Beware of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Discuss the use of HRT with your primary care physician to manage menopausal symptoms, as receiving the therapy after menopause increases the risk for breast cancer.
For those who are planning to get their first mammogram, Solis Mammography has some tips on how to prepare.
The day of your mammogram:
- Wear a two-piece outfit. You will undress only from the waist up. Solis Mammography provides comfortable privacy capes to wear during your visit.
- Don’t apply deodorant the day of your exam. It can interfere with the images and cause an unnecessary return visit.
- Do not use lotion, powder, cream or perfume the day before or the day of your appointment.
- At Solis Mammography, the mammogram procedure takes no more than 10 minutes, with each breast getting compressed twice. Most of the centers feature SmartCurve, a compression system shaped like a breast, which has been clinically proven to reduce discomfort.
- Following your appointment, results from Solis Mammography are typically available in as soon as two business days.
Mammograms vs. ultrasound screening
Ultrasound screenings have become popular, but Parghi made clear there is no other cancer screening test in medicine as effective as a mammography.
“Not for colon, lung, prostate or cervical cancers,” he said. “In fact, none of these tests have the time-proven, supportive clinical evidence validating mortality reduction. At Solis Mammography, our early detection screening platform combines 3D mammography, AI analysis and SmartCurve comfort technology for a more accurate and comfortable mammogram.”
Myth vs. fact
In addition to the information above, there are several myths experts at Solis Mammography hear, but they want to make the truth of these clear to women everywhere:
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Only women with a family history of breast cancer get breast cancer. | 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. |
| I don’t have time for a mammogram. But I don’t feel any lumps or have any symptoms, so I should be fine. | Many breast cancers are diagnosed in women who never had any symptoms at all. Not even a lump. |
| It doesn’t matter where you go, all mammograms are the same. | The providers who perform and read mammograms vary greatly, so look for expertise. Technology is also a critical factor. |
| All mammograms are painful. | Outdated, flat compressions systems are known to cause pain, but research has shown that 93% of women who experienced pain with traditional compression systems reported more comfort with Solis Mammography’s revolutionary SmartCurve technology. |
Convenience and compassion
Experts at Solis Mammography know there’s more to an exam than just the technology, which is why convenience and comfort is paramount to the practice.
“Our practice is built around alleviating stress and providing an unparalleled patient experience,” said Parghi. “Our knowledgeable, respectful and engaged team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional, woman-centric, high-touch patient experience.”
The practice makes a mammogram an easy appointment to check from a to-do list. It offers convenient scheduling and easily accessible centers, with efficient appointments at soothing, spa-like centers.
With 25 centers throughout greater Houston, Solis Mammography is opening its newest center in Mont Belvieu on June 16, in partnership with HCA Houston Healthcare, the leading provider of health care in the Houston area.
Conveniently located in the H-E-B shopping center in Mont Belvieu Crossing, residents will now be able to experience Solis Mammography’s comprehensive approach to breast health with simple scheduling, fast results and even faster appointments. Click or tap here to find a location near you and schedule a screening appointment.