That’s right!

Besides being the gold standard,^[1]for early detection of breast cancer as stated by an expert panel headed by University of California, mammography may save you big money too.

But how does mammography save you money?

Isn’t the self-breast-exam, with no cost, a better way to regularly screen yourself?

Let’s explore.

Most medical authorities across the world do not recommend self-breast-examination^[2] alone because by the time the lump is big enough for you or your doctor to feel, it’s too late in most cases.

Based on screening efficacy, the doctors and medical organizations across the world recommend annual mammography for all average-risk women above the age of 40 years, and for high-risk women (with family history, etc.) below the age of 40 years, whether you have any signs of breast cancer or not.

Going for a mammogram when there are no symptoms is known as a screening mammogram

How does Mammography save your money & life?

1. Breast cancer has the highest treatment cost among cancers.^[3] According to WHO studies^[4], the treatment costs for cancer patients diagnosed early are two to four times less expensive compared to treating people diagnosed with cancer at more advanced stages.
2. Early detection may qualify you for less invasive treatment options. For example, in early breast cancers, chemotherapy may get completely avoided along with its costs and side effects. The treatment environment too is more pleasant in early stages.
3. Early diagnosis reduces the turnaround time of treatment, leading to quicker discharge, which in turn saves significant costs and time for both the patient and her attendees.
4. Screening mammography performed annually on all women beginning at age 40 years have reduced breast cancer deaths by 30% to 50%^[5]. Also, the early detection allows doctors more time for careful planning of treatment.
5. Just like car insurance that you buy every year to minimize a probable expense against an accident that may never happen, a small mammography expense every year may help you save 30% to over 100% of the treatment cost of breast cancer compared to the women who don’t screen themselves.^[6]
6. Most importantly, a small yearly investment in screening mammography may save immense stress to your loved ones that is caused if breast cancer gets detected late, which is a priceless benefit if you agree.
7. Overall, the earlier the breast cancer diagnosis, the happier the outcome for the doctor, patient, patient’s family, and her relatives.

So, what can you do today?

If you are eligible for breast screening either by age (40 years and above) or due to high-risk factors such as family history (in which case even if you are younger than 40 years), subscribe to an Annual Screening Mammography plan – A simple ritual that can save your life!

1. https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/features/mammography-still-gold-standard-for-breast-cancer Published 8 March 2001. Accessed 7 March 2022.
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-exam/about/pac-20393237Published 9 June 2020. Accessed 7 March 2022.
3. Mariotto AB, Yabroff KR, Shao Y, Feuer EJ, Brown ML. Projections of the cost of cancer care in the United States: 2010–2020. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2011;103(2):117–128.
4. https://www.who.int/news/item/03-02-2017-early-cancer-diagnosis-saves-lives-cuts-treatment-costs Published 3 February 2017. Accessed 7 March 2022.
5. Feig S. Comparison of costs and benefits of breast cancer screening with mammography, ultrasonography, and MRI. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2011 Mar;38(1):179-96, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2011.02.009. PMID: 21419333.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21419333/