Mammography May Help With Early Detection
Did you know the incidence of breast cancer has more than doubled over the past thirty years? According to the Breast Cancer Fund*, in 1964 the lifetime risk for developing breast cancer was 1 in 20. Today, the risk is 1 in every 8 women. That's why early detection is so important. With mammography - a simple test that uses low-dose X-rays - women have a better chance of surviving breast cancer than ever before.

Mammography is not 100% accurate, but doctors agree it's the best way to find breast tissue abnormalities early, when the chances for a cure are best. A mammogram can detect tumors that a woman would not normally feel for two or three more years doing regular breast self-exams.

* The Breast Cancer Fund, a not-for-profit advocacy group based in San Francisco, CA, was founded in 1992 and promotes educational programs, research funding and patient support.

What to expect from mammography
No matter which SPHN facility you choose, a female mammographer will perform the test. The technologist will position your breast on a platform. She will then bring a flat panel across your breast or on top of it to compress your breast. Adequate compression is essential to obtaining the best picture of the breast tissue.

You can expect to feel pressure and maybe some discomfort, but it is only temporary. The procedure generally takes about ten minutes to complete and is designed to keep radiation exposure to a minimum.

Getting your results
Once your results are in, we send them directly to your doctor, who will let you know the outcome.

When to get a mammogram
The new guidelines from the American Cancer Society recommend having a mammogram once a year beginning at age 40.

Talk to your doctor, ask for a referral and call the Central Scheduling Office at (915) 577-7777 to set an appointment at an SPHN facility near you.