Why Breast Cancer Screenings Are So Important

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You know it because you’re seeing more flashes of pink, or maybe a co-worker is wearing a ribbon. This year, we want you to give it more than a passing thought.

At Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology, we’re committed to keeping you healthy at every stage of life. Our team delivers compassionate gynecology and preventive wellness services, and we aim to make it easy to prioritize your health. 

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the year, it’s critical to understand how important routine breast cancer screenings and early detection are for your long-term health. You may hate the test, but it can save your life.

Why are breast cancer screenings so important for early detection?

Breast cancer screenings can detect abnormal cell changes before you can feel a lump or experience symptoms. Finding these changes early makes the disease much easier to treat and significantly improves survival rates.

According to the US Preventive Services Task Force, starting regular mammograms at age 40 saves lives. Their data shows that starting biennial screenings at age 40 averts a median of 8.2 breast cancer deaths per 1,000 average-risk women.

When you catch breast cancer in its earliest, localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is an encouraging 99%. Mammograms remain the gold standard in screenings because they can see deep inside the breast tissue to find tiny calcifications and tumors. 

When should you start screening for breast cancer?

Most women at average risk should begin routine screening mammograms at age 40 and continue them every two years. However, your personal timeline may start earlier depending on your individual risk factors and family history. 

Our team at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology talks about family history and personal risk factors and takes your concerns into account when recommending a personal screening schedule.

We help you understand your options, including supplemental imaging if you have dense breast tissue. Our goal is to make sure you have a personalized screening plan that fits your unique body and health history.

Are you due for a screening?

Taking charge of your health starts with simple, preventive steps, including an annual well-woman exam. Our experienced team is here to guide you through your screening options, and we can refer patients for mammography at convenient locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, New York.

Please contact our team today at the Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology location most convenient to you. Your appointment is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and to stay on top of your breast health.