Mammography is the best screening tool presently available to detect breast cancer early.

Oregon is among the nation's top five states for incidence of breast cancer. More women are now surviving, thanks in large part to early detection.

Overview
Mammograms: early diagnosis = better prognosis
Mammography recommendations
Find a mammography center
Medicare helps pay for mammograms
Related links

Overview

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women in the United States and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American women (lung cancer is first).

Breast cancer affects one in eight American women.

A woman's risk of breast cancer increases as she ages.

Women with a family history of breast cancer are at increased risk.

Eighty percent of women who get breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

A woman's risk of breast cancer also increases if

she experiences early menarche (12 years old or younger when first menstrual period begins)

she experiences late menopause (age 55 or older)

her first pregnancy is at age 30 or older

she has never given birth

Mammograms: early diagnosis = better prognosis

The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances for successful treatment.

Regular mammograms save lives by detecting breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Breast cancer can show up at any time, so regular mammography is important.

Screening mammograms detect 90% of breast cancers. Women should examine their breasts regularly and review any changes with their healthcare provider.

Mammography recommendations for women ages 40 to 50 vary. An informed decision should be made on an individual basis.

Key healthcare organizations agree that all women should have mammograms every one to two years after age 50.

Mammography recommendations for women age 70 and older vary. An informed decision should be made on an individual basis.

Find a mammography center

To find a mammography facility, you may search the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) list of FDA-certified mammography facilities on the FDA website.

Medicare helps pay for mammograms

Medicare Part B will pay 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for a screening mammogram every 12 months, for Medicare beneficiaries who are 40 years of age and older. In addition, the annual deductible is waived for mammography.