Why Have a Mammogram

• Mammography is an X-ray technique that visualizes internal structures of the breast.
• Mammography can detect breast cancer up to two years before it can be felt.
• The mammography procedure takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
• While it is a very simple procedure, mammography can increase the diagnosis rate of breast cancer and in turn the cure rate by 90 percent or more.
• Statistically, approximately 12 - 15 percent of screening mammograms will show abnormalities that require follow-up care. This could be a physician consultation, follow-up mammogram or biopsy.
• An annual breast examination by a physician and regular self-examinations should accompany routine mammography to provide a complete screening program and the most timely diagnosis.