Text Size: Mammography: Catch cancer early
More women get breast cancer than any other form of cancer. A mammogram, or breast X-ray, can find cancers that are often too small to be found during other checks. If you are 50 or older - or have a history that predisposes you to breast cancer - we encourage you to make an appointment with your health care provider to discuss your screening options. In between screenings, practice your ABCs:
Alcohol: Limit yourself to one drink per day. A recent study found that your breast cancer risk increases with each additional drink per day. The American Cancer Society reports that women who drink between 2 and 5 drinks daily have roughly 1½ times the risk of women who drink no alcohol.
Breastfeeding: If you breastfed your babies, you may have reduced your risk - especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.
Control your weight: Gaining one pound each year after age 20 can tip the scale toward cancer risk. To slim down, exercise regularly and sleep at least seven hours each night.
Diet: Add more fruits and vegetables (five a day, with lots of variation in color), choose whole grains, cut out processed foods, limit saturated fats and eat smaller meals.
Estrogen: Is hormone therapy right for you? We recommend talking with your health care provider about what, specifically, will work best. One recent study, however, showed that women who underwent estrogen-only treatment were actually at a lower risk for breast cancer.
Family history: Your risk is greater if you have a close blood relative who has had breast cancer. More than 85 percent of women who get breast cancer, however, do not have a family history.
Get a screening mammogram: A mammogram is the most effective way to catch any irregularity or cancer early. Mammograms, in combination with regular self-exams, can help catch cancer early.
When to get screened
If you are a woman older than 40, we strongly encourage you to have a thorough discussion with your health care provider regarding mammography screening. Detailed guidelines are available here.
Talk to your health care provider
- If you have had previous breast or uterine cancer
- If you have a mother or sister who has had breast cancer
- If you've had a long menstrual history (beginning before age 12, or lasting more than 40 years)
- If you've never been pregnant, or if your first pregnancy was after age 35
Preparing for your mammogram
- Take a shower or bath before the mammogram. Do not apply deodorant, powder, lotion or perfume prior to the test.
- Wear a two-piece outfit, as you will need to remove your blouse, shirt or sweater and don a hospital gown for the test.
- Do not wear jewelry around your neck.
If you haven't had a mammogram in the past year and are within the age and risk guidelines above, please talk to your health care provider to schedule an appointment or call the toll-free Providence Prevention Line at 800-562-8964 for assistance.
To learn more about breast cancer and mammograms, visit Providence Health & Services' Breast Cancer Health Resource Center.
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