Mammography is an X-ray of your breasts. It helps find breast cancer and other breast problems. Mammography can show lumps that may be cancer (most are not) and breast changes that could lead to cancer. Mammography can find breast lumps before you or your doctor can feel them!

Every woman is at risk for breast cancer. Breast cancer is not limited to just those who have it in the family. Also, the number one risk factor for breast cancer is getting older! That's why all women should have a mammogram:

• Once between the ages of 35 and 40
• Every year between after the age of 40
• (Medicare will pay for a Screening Mammography once every 12 months)

Call your doctor any time you notice the following symptoms:

• Lumps that don't go away after your period.
• Blood or fluid from a nipple.
• Any change in breast size or shape.

Mammography has benefits and risks. Mammograms often find breast cancer very early. This means there is a much better chance of cure and more ways to treat the cancer. Mammography uses very low radiation. Radiation carries a small risk of causing cancer. Still, mammography is now safer than ever! Remember-tell your doctor or technologist if you are pregnant, think you may be, or if you've had breast surgery, have a personal history of breast cancer, any current problems with your breasts or breast implants.

It is important that any previous mammography films be available to the physician interpreting your current study. If your previous mammograms were done elsewhere, please bring those films to Cushing Regional Hospital with you on your appointment date.