MEdIC - Mini-Medical School Fall 94

	Mammography Facts

	There are two types of mammograms. A *screening mammogram* is a breast x-ray used for women with no symptoms of breast cancer. It can find a breast cancer before you or your doctors can feel one. All major health organizations agree that screening mammography every one to two years can reduce breast cancer death rates by about one-third for women over the age of 50. Eighty percent of breast cancer cases are found in women over 50 years of age. If you are 50 or older, be sure to have a mammogram every one to two years and have your physician exam your breasts yearly. If you are between 40 and 49, the decision to have a mamogram should be made after talking to your physician. A *diagnostic mammogram* is used for women with symptoms of breast cancer such as a lump, pain, nipple thickening or discharge, or any changes in breast shape or size. Any women with a breast lump should see her doctor immediately. The doctor may then order a diagnostic mammogram. The Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1994 requires facilties to be accredited by the Food and Drug Administration in order to ensure quality control standards are met. Call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER to find an accredited facility in your area. The Mini-Medical School is a public education and outreach program of The University of Texas - Houston and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Last Modified: 7/27/97, Copyright © 1994, 1995 University of Texas - Houston Medical School, DPALM MEDIC All rights reserved.