According to American Cancer Society, "A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. A diagnostic mammogram is used to diagnose breast disease in women who have breast symptoms or an abnormal result on a screening mammogram" (Villatoro, 2013). This screening exam is the most utilized up-to-date test for breast cancer. "Routine mammography can reduce breast cancer mortality by 40-45% among women between the ages of 40 and 69" (Tang, Patterson, Roubidoux, Duan, 2009, p.727). This is a convenient way that most physicians can diagnose their patients for breast cancer. This exam allows your healthcare professional to take a quicker look at your breast tissue that is not normally felt on a breast examination. "The National Cancer Institute recommends that women be screened every one to two years, starting at age 40" (Villatoro, 2013). Performing home self-breast exams is essential, cost effective, and a great way to monitor your breasts without visiting your physician. Breast abnormalities changes can be detected by performing monthly breast exams. "Breast self-examination (BSE) is recommended screening method for early detection of breast cancer, so it is essential to educate women about BSE as an early detection method for this fatal disease" (Villatoro, 2013). Educating the community on yearly mammograms, and performing self-breast examinations will help achieving an early diagnosis, and therefore a better cure.
There are certain risk factors that may affect your chances of developing breast cancer. These risk factors are characteristics that will help also in early detection in breast cancer. "Although having risk factors does not mean you definitely going to get this disease. Just being a women put you at risk of getting breast cancer. Simply being a woman is the main risk factor for developing breast cancer" (Villatoro, 2013). Genetics and family history plays a huge role in contributing to breast cancer.