Sponsored by Charlotte Radiology and Charlotte Radiology Breast Centers

Most women who develop breast cancer have NO family history, but it is important to be aware of increased risk due to family history or other reasons. A significant family history means you have two or more family members (mother/father, sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle) who have had breast cancer and/or the breast cancer in family members was found before age 50.

Women at high risk should speak with their physician about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and if additional measures, such as breast MRI, need to be considered.

In March 2007, the American Cancer Society (ACS) revised the breast cancer early detection guidelines, recommending annual breast MRI screening for women who:

• have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
• have a first-degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation and have not had genetic testing themselves
• have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of about 20% to 25% (or greater), according to risk assessment tools that are based mainly on a family history that includes both her mother's and father's side
• have had radiation therapy to the chest when they were between the ages of 10-30 years
• have a genetic disease such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or have one of these syndromes in first-degree relatives.

Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk with their physicians about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. These include patients who:

• have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of 15% to 20%, according to risk assessment tools that are based mainly on family history
• have a personal history of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), or atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH)
• have extremely dense breasts or unevenly dense breasts when viewed by mammograms.

Sponsored by Charlotte Radiology and Charlotte Radiology Breast Centers

Charlotte Radiology is committed to providing our patients with convenient, quality care.  We offer 12 area breast centers, including locations in Monroe, Rock Hill and Gastonia.  In addition, we have online scheduling, annual reminders, and a spa-like atmosphere for patient comfort.

Schedule your mammogram today or send an e-card mammogram reminder to a friend.  Visit us online at www.beatcancerCR.com or call 704-367-2232 or 877-362-2232.  For more information about Charlotte Radiology and our mammography procedures, visit www.charlotteradiology.com.  Together, we can win the fight against breast cancer.

Sponsored by Charlotte Radiology and Charlotte Radiology Breast Centers

Numerous studies prove that early detection is the most vital component in the successful treatment of breast cancer. Women should perform monthly self-breast exams, have regular clinical breast examinations and schedule a yearly mammogram.  Annual screening mammograms starting at age 40 play a central part in early detection because they can detect subtle changes in the breast before they can be felt.

American Cancer Society Guidelines for Early Breast Cancer Detection

• Women should perform self-breast exams monthly starting in their 20’s.
• Women in their 20’s and 30’s should have a clinical breast exam as part of their regular health exam, preferably every 3 years and every year starting at age 40.
• Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year.
• Women at high risk should get an MRI and a mammogram every year.

What is a screening mammogram?
Screening mammography is a low-dose x-ray exam of the breasts recommended annually for women ages 40 and older. It is a preventive measure for women who have no symptoms of breast disease; a physician order is not required for this exam.  Once your exam is completed and your results have been interpreted, a written report will be sent to you and your physician. If you are called back for additional mammographic views, do not be alarmed. Often times more views are needed in order to make an accurate diagnosis.  This is called a diagnostic mammogram.

What is a diagnostic mammogram?
While a screening mammogram is encouraged each year for women who do not have significant breast symptoms, your doctor may order a diagnostic mammogram if you are experiencing a worrisome lump, changes in the breast skin, pain, nipple discharge, or if you have a personal history of breast cancer. Diagnostic mammography may also be performed if your screening mammogram demonstrates a possible abnormality. The type and number of mammographic views taken will be customized to your situation.??

Should your doctor order a diagnostic mammogram, Charlotte Radiology has all the tools available to give him/her an accurate diagnosis.  During your appointment you will meet with a radiologist who will review your exam results with you and explain any further recommendations.  Your primary care physician will also receive your results.

Sponsored by Charlotte Radiology and Charlotte Radiology Breast Centers

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancer) tumor that starts from cells of the breast. It is found mostly in women, but men can get breast cancer, too.  It is the second most common form of cancer in women, with a lifetime risk of one in eight for every woman in the United States. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. As a result of early detection and improved treatment options, breast cancer death rates are decreasing. The American Cancer Society estimates about 2.5 half million breast cancer survivors in the United States today.

There is no way to prevent breast cancer, but women can reduce their risk by limiting alcohol use, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.  Most women who develop breast cancer have no family history, but you should be aware of your family history and talk to your physician if you have concerns or questions.  Following breast cancer early detection guidelines is the key to beating breast cancer.