Your annual mammogram:
Important for life.
One appointment a year - that can mean everything to you.
It can be easy to put off getting your mammogram. Life gets busy. And you can think of other things you'd rather do. Yet there's nothing more important you can do for your health and well-being because early detection of breast cancer provides the best opportunity for beating it.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), regular mammograms can help increase the chances of surviving breast cancer as much as 30% by detecting the disease at its earliest stages, when it's most treatable.
That is, in a real way, the reason women like the Voices of MammoSite are here today, sharing their experiences. And why they've made getting annual mammograms a cause and message for other women: it can be essential to life.
Fewer mammograms a year - a trend that can have serious consequences.
Although studies demonstrate that annual mammograms have improved breast cancer survival rates, fewer women are getting them each year. NCI statistics show a steady decline in mammography rates since 2003.
This fact means more women are risking more serious steps in battling breast cancer by skipping an annual mammogram. Reasons can vary - anxiety about the discomfort, fear of the results, insurance and cost issues, or simply not wanting to take the time - but the risk is the same.
Take a positive step - get a mammogram every year. For life.
It's a good idea that keeps getting better all the time. Today, more advanced techniques and technology such as digital mammography are improving the procedure, clarity of images and accuracy of diagnosis.
Learn more about mammography advances here - because just one morning or afternoon out of your year can make all the difference in fighting breast cancer.
