Its a fact: Early Detection through annual screening mammograms helps decrease mortality from Breast Carcinoma. The American College of Radiology (ACR) and American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend that women 40 years of age and older should have a screening mammogram performed annually as long as they are in good health.
The risk factors for breast cancer include the following:
Gender Breast cancer is 100 times more common in women than it is in men, even though men may also develop breast cancer.
Age The risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older.
Genetics 5% to 10% of breast cancers occur in women who have a family history of breast cancer.
Race White women are slightly more likely than African-American women to develop breast cancer. African-American women are more likely to die from breast cancer than white women.
Women with a previous abnormal breast biopsy have a 1.5 to 2 times greater chance of developing breast cancer than women with negative breast biopsies.
Women who started menstruating before age 12 or who went through menopause after age 55, have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.
Northwest Medical Center is certified by the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) of the FDA, and provides a new product that dramatically eases the discomfort many women feel when they get a mammogram. The FDA-cleared foam cushion, called MammoPad®, creates a softer, warmer mammogram. NWMC hopes to increase the number of women who follow recommendations for regular screenings. The single-use, adhesive-backed foam cushion attaches to the compressions plates of the mammography device. It was developed by Stanford University breast surgeon, Gale Lebovic, M.D., who understood mammography discomfort from both a physician and patients point of view. The breast cushion is “invisible” to x-rays and does not interfere with the image quality of the mammogram.
Beginning October 13, 2009, Northwest Medical Center will begin providing stereotactic breast biopsy service. A stereotactic biopsy is used to take samples from a lump that cannot be felt during a breast exam but can be seen on a mammogram or ultrasound. During stereo imaging, 2D images of the breast are taken from 2 different angles. Both images are sent to a computer for analysis. The computer compares the data from each image and calculates the 3D location coordination for a breast abnormality. This information helps the physician to precisely guide the physician to accurately sample fluid or tissue.
Its a fact: Early Detection through annual screening mammograms helps decrease mortality from Breast Carcinoma. The American College of Radiology (ACR) and American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend that women 40 years of age and older should have a screening mammogram performed annually as long as they are in good health. 
