Firstly, no one can prevent breast cancer. Early detection is the best protection against it.

Self-examination alone does not help early detection of breast cancer because by the time even a doctor can feel the lump during a clinical examination, the tumor would have reached a more advanced stage.

Hence the doctors and medical organizations across the world recommend annual mammography to 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.

Mammography is declared as the best screening technique for early detection of breast cancer by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) USA^[1], and many other world authorities. An expert panel headed by University of California concluded that mammography remains the gold standard^[2] for early detection.

However, some women may ask if it’s worth spending every year on Mammography.

Is it a wasteful expenditure when there is a good chance that you may never get breast cancer? Let’s explore.

• Screening mammography performed annually on all women beginning at age 40 years has reduced breast cancer deaths by 30% to 50%[3] because early diagnosis of breast cancer dramatically improves the chances of complete cure and disease-free survival with 93% or higher survival rates in the first five years^[4].
• Just like a car insurance you buy every year to minimize a probable expense against an accident that may never happen, a small mammography spend 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.[5]
• Early detection may also 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.
• 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.

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.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/mammograms.htm
2. https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/features/mammography-still-gold-standard-for-breast-cancer
3. 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/
4. https://www.carolmilgardbreastcenter.org/early-detection
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/