October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why Your Annual Mammogram Matters

Take control of your health.  Talking honestly with your family provider about your family history of cancer and risk factors is an important step in that journey.  During October, we encourage you to think about your breast health.

Screening mammograms should begin at age 40 and earlier if there is concern. A mammogram can often detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, often before you notice any symptoms such as a lump.  Finding cancer early can improve treatment success.

Mammograms are performed/completed with a special x-ray machine designed to look only at breast tissue.  Modern technology, such as 3-D mammography offered at FVH, uses low radiation doses to get high quality breast imagery.  When available, the radiologist reading your mammogram will also compare your current scans with previous mammograms to look for changes or new areas of concern.

Be sure to follow your provider’s recommendations for screenings.  Most follow ups are annual but can vary based on your history. 

Take control of your health.  Talking honestly with your family provider about your family history of cancer and risk factors is an important step in that journey.  During October, we encourage you to think about your breast health. 

Screening mammograms should begin at age 40 and earlier if there is concern. A mammogram can often detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, often before you notice any symptoms such as a lump.  Finding cancer early can improve treatment success. 

Mammograms are performed/completed with a special x-ray machine designed to look only at breast tissue.  Modern technology, such as 3-D mammography offered at FVH, uses low radiation doses to get high quality breast imagery.  When available, the radiologist reading your mammogram will also compare your current scans with previous mammograms to look for changes or new areas of concern.

Be sure to follow your provider’s recommendations for screenings.  Most follow ups are annual but can vary based on your history.