Annual Mammogram

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 created a “perfect storm” for undetected breast cancer. A combination of canceled elective screenings and procedures, staff and PPE shortages, office closures, and personal health concerns all contributed to a decline in the number of routine mammograms provided for at-risk women. The result is a rise in breast cancer diagnoses. In today’s post, we’ll talk about the benefits of regular breast cancer screenings, and the importance of getting back on track with a regularly scheduled annual mammogram.

Delayed Diagnosis Means Increased Breast Cancer Mortality

Many women have felt wary of visiting doctor’s offices during the pandemic. With so many patients delaying their annual mammograms, thousands of cases of breast cancer are going undetected, which, according to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute's study, will result in an increased mortality rate. Because breast cancer can develop without any initial symptoms, waiting any amount of time– whether it be a few months, a year, or more– can pose a significant risk to those susceptible to cancer. Now that diagnostic centers such as Capitol Imaging Services (CIS) have adapted to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the best time to get back on track with your annual breast cancer screenings.

With so many patients delaying their annual mammograms, thousands of cases of breast cancer are going undetected, which will result in an increased mortality rate.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute

How Mammograms Detect Breast Cancer

Mammograms are an easy and effective way to check the breast for signs of cancer. This method of screening uses X-Rays to create an image of the inside of the breast. CIS also offers a more advanced form of breast imaging called 3D mammography, which allows the radiologist to view each layer of the breast tissue to create an even more clear image of possible breast abnormalities. This results in earlier cancer detection, better visualization, and fewer follow-ups for women. Each of these types of mammography usually takes no more than 10 minutes to complete.

Why do I need a Mammogram Every Year?

According to the American College of Radiology, women aged 40 and up should attend a mammography breast cancer screening each year to reduce the risk of permanent damage from undiagnosed cancer. It is far easier for doctors to treat cancer in its earliest stages, increasing patients’ chances of being able to beat the disease and return to their normal lives. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that women who undergo regular mammograms have a 41% reduced risk of death from breast cancer, and a 25% reduced rate of being diagnosed with advanced breast cancers.

In addition to the obstacles posed by the pandemic, there are several other reasons why patients may put off their annual mammograms:

They might believe they are healthy and don’t need a screening.
They could be afraid to uncover a positive result.
Many women simply feel they are too busy to schedule their routine breast cancer screening.

Whatever the reason, any physician will agree that keeping up with your mammogram schedule will always pay off– when breast cancer is caught early, it is far easier to treat.

Physicians agree that keeping up with your mammogram schedule will always pay off. When breast cancer is caught early, it is far easier to treat.
Capitol Imaging Services

Schedule your annual mammogram today!

While many women have fallen behind on their routine mammograms due to the difficulties of COVID-19, it’s not too late to get back on track. Capitol Imaging Services is accredited by the American College of Radiology, and uses the most up-to-date techniques of screening to provide women with the easiest annual mammogram experience possible. Select CIS locations offer mammography and we are happy to help you find a diagnostic center offering the breast cancer screening services you need. Please visit our website to learn more about mammography, and to find the CIS location near you that offers breast cancer screening.