Information and Resources for MVCC employees
Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer found in women in the U.S., after skin cancers. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer mainly occurs in middle-aged and older women; the median age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis is 62; however, a small number of women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 45. Men can also get breast cancer, though it is rare: The lifetime risk is 1 in 833.
Importance of cancer screening
Following recommended screening guidelines can help find and treat pre-cancers and cancers early. Here are the American Cancer Society's recommendations for breast cancer screening:
- Women ages 40-44: Should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (X-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so
- Women ages 45-54: Should get mammograms every year
- Women 55+: Should switch to mammograms every two years, or continue yearly screening
- Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer
Talk with a healthcare provider about your risk for breast cancer and the best screening plan for you.
What is a mammogram and what does it detect? Watch this short video to find out.
Click here for more information about scheduling and preparing for a mammogram.