New research offers more reasons why mammography screenings are essential for breast health

Home / New research offers more reasons why mammography screenings are essential for breast health

For more than a year now, Americans have put regular healthcare needs on hold. While it may seem safer to skip scheduled checkups to avoid exposure to the virus, regular mammography screenings remain vitally important to reduce the risk of advanced-stage cancer.

Women who skip even one scheduled mammography screening before a breast cancer diagnosis face a significantly higher risk of dying from the cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, research has shown women who were regularly screened had a 50% higher chance of surviving breast cancer within 10 years than those who did not regularly participate in screenings.

It is estimated that 2021 will see 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women and 43,600 deaths. Regular screenings are the best way to detect cancer early and increase chances of survival before a person has any symptoms.

For women with an average risk of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends beginning annual mammograms between the ages of 40 to 44. Those 45 to 54 are advised to undergo annual mammography, and those 55 years of age and older can transition to biennial mammography or continue annual mammography. Talk with a health care provider about your risk for breast cancer and the best screening plan for you.

Providing access to quality breast healthcare 

Although annual mammograms are lifesaving screenings, women who are uninsured or underinsured often cannot afford them and feel they must choose between taking care of themselves or taking care of their family.  As a result, they put off getting a mammogram so they can afford groceries, utilities and medications.

Because individuals and community partners give through Novant Health Foundation to support outreach efforts and mammogram screenings, our care teams are able to provide quality healthcare to historically underserved women, removing financial barriers. By bring early detection technology closer to home through Novant Health mobile mammography cruisers, all women, regardless of their ZIP code, have access to lifesaving care.

If you’d like to help provide opportunities for women to receive lifesaving mammograms, consider making a gift through Novant Health Foundations.