Why Your Annual Mammogram Matters: Early Detection Saves Lives
Mammography remains the most effective tool for early breast cancer detection. Learn when to start screening and what 3D mammography offers.
Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the United States during their lifetime. The single most effective way to catch it early — when it's most treatable — is regular screening mammography.
The Numbers Tell the Story
When breast cancer is detected at Stage 1, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. At Stage 4, it drops to 30%. Mammography is the only screening tool proven to reduce breast cancer mortality, detecting tumors up to two years before they can be felt by hand.
What Is 3D Mammography?
3D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis) is a significant advance over traditional 2D mammography. Instead of taking two flat images, the machine captures thin slices of the breast from multiple angles, creating a three-dimensional picture.
Why it matters: - Better cancer detection — finds 20-65% more invasive cancers than 2D alone - Fewer false alarms — reduces callbacks by up to 40% - Sees through dense tissue — particularly important for women with dense breasts - Same compression, same time — the exam feels identical to a traditional mammogram
At AMI, we use Hologic 3D tomosynthesis with computer-aided detection (CAD) — the industry gold standard.
When Should You Start Screening?
Current guidelines recommend:
American Cancer Society: - Ages 40-44: Option to begin annual screening - Ages 45-54: Mammogram every year - Ages 55+: Every 1-2 years, continuing as long as you're in good health
American College of Radiology: - Annual screening starting at age 40
If you're high risk (family history, genetic mutations like BRCA1/2, prior chest radiation), screening may start earlier and include breast MRI.
What to Expect During Your Mammogram
- **Arrive comfortably** — Avoid deodorant, powder, or lotion on the day of your exam (these can appear as artifacts on images)
- **The exam takes 15-20 minutes** — Each breast is gently compressed between two plates for a few seconds
- **Compression is brief** — Yes, it's uncomfortable. But it lasts only seconds per image and is essential for clear pictures
- **Results within days** — Our board-certified radiologist reads your images and sends results to your physician
Breast Density: Why It Matters
About 50% of women have dense breast tissue. Dense breasts make mammograms harder to read (cancer and dense tissue both appear white), are associated with a slightly higher cancer risk, and benefit most from 3D mammography, which can "see through" overlapping tissue.
Common Myths About Mammograms
"I don't need one — no one in my family has breast cancer." About 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. Screening is for everyone.
"Mammograms cause cancer from radiation." The radiation dose is extremely low — about the same as 7 weeks of natural background radiation. The benefit of early detection far outweighs this minimal exposure.
"If something is wrong, I'll feel a lump." Mammograms detect cancers too small to feel — often 1-2 years before a lump would be noticeable.
Schedule Your 3D Mammogram
No referral needed for annual screening mammograms. Call (727) 398-5999 to schedule — most appointments take less than 30 minutes.
Have Questions About Your Imaging?
Our team is happy to answer any questions. Call us or schedule online.