The Crucial Role of Early Detection Starting at 40
Breast cancer is a challenging journey no one wants to face, but early detection can make all the difference. Starting at 40 and going every year for an annual mammogram can reduce the need for invasive treatments. Nicole’s story is a powerful example of how a routine mammogram at 42, despite feeling perfectly fine, led to early diagnosis and successful treatment without invasive procedures. Let Nicole’s experience inspire you to prioritize your health this year.
Why Do I Need a Mammogram Every Year?
Routine mammograms starting at 40 are crucial in catching potential issues before they become serious. Even if you feel fine and show no symptoms, annual screenings can reveal critical details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Gentle Mammogram Reminders:
- Start at 40 because regular screenings are vital, even if you feel fine.
- Don’t skip—get your mammogram every year. Your annual mammogram is compared to your prior images to detect any changes or abnormalities.
- In Connecticut, screening mammograms are covered annually by most insurance and don’t require a referral from your doctor.
Why Does Early Detection Matter?
Early detection is crucial to successful breast cancer treatment—Nicole’s journey highlights the importance of staying proactive with your annual screenings.
At 42, Nicole felt great and had no symptoms, but she stayed diligent with her annual mammograms. It was during a routine mammogram that her cancer was caught at an early stage. Nicole completed her treatment in just six weeks without needing chemotherapy or radiation. Her quick return to everyday life demonstrates the impact of early detection. Don’t wait—Call today to book your 3D mammogram today.
Advantages of Early Detection:
- Our advanced 3D technology can spot tumors as small as a millimeter, which might be missed in traditional screenings.
- Early detection often reduces the need for aggressive treatments like chemotherapy.
- With early treatment, patients can often return to their daily lives faster.
How is 3D Mammography Beneficial to Early Detection?
Unlike traditional 2D mammograms, which capture four flat images, 3D technology creates a comprehensive view by taking multiple images from different angles. At Jefferson Radiology, our Genius™3D Mammography technology provides a more detailed view of breast tissue, improving the detection of abnormalities at their earliest stages. This technology has revolutionized breast cancer screenings.
Advantages of 3D Mammography:
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According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 3D mammography significantly increases the detection of breast cancer by up to 41% (Hologic, 2014).
- According to breastcancer.org, 3D mammograms reduce false positives.
- Especially beneficial for dense breasts
What Are Symptoms of Breast Cancer I Should be Aware of?
Mammograms can often detect cancer years before any lump can be felt. However, it’s also important to be able to recognize the signs of breast cancer. During self-exams, stay alert to changes in your breasts. Not all lumps are cancerous, but any suspicious areas of concern should be checked by your physician. Regular self-exams help you spot changes early, giving you the best chance for effective treatment.
Tips for Self-breast Exams:
- Look for changes in size, shape, or color
- Check for lumps or thickened areas in the breast and armpit using a circular motion.
- Watch for unusual discharge
- Note any dimpling or puckering
Why Choose Jefferson Radiology for Your Mammogram?
At Jefferson Radiology, we’re not just about technology—we’re about the expertise that comes with it. Our sub-specialized breast imaging radiologists have undergone 13+ years of advanced training, ensuring that your mammogram is interpreted by experts who can spot even the smallest details and abnormalities. What sets us apart:
- Our radiologists are not only board-certified but have also completed additional fellowship training in breast imaging, offering you the highest level of diagnostic accuracy.
- As a Mammography Accredited Facility by the American College of Radiology, we adhere to the highest imaging quality and safety standards.
- Our compassionate team of all-female technologists are with you every step of the way, supporting you to ensure the process is as comfortable as possible.
- 3D Mammography technology offers the most accurate diagnosis
- Nine convenient locations with flexible hours to fit your schedule
What Breast Imaging Services Does Jefferson Radiology Offer, and Why Might I Need Imaging?
We offer a wide range of women’s services at nine locations, including Avon, Bloomfield, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Glastonbury, Wethersfield, and West Hartford. Our breast exams include:
- Mammograms – quick, low-dose X-ray exams of the breast used to detect early signs of breast cancer.
- Breast Ultrasounds – evaluates the internal structure of the breasts to help physicians diagnose breast abnormalities and treat breast disease.
- Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy – recommended if you have a suspicious area in your breast found on a mammogram, an ultrasound, or a physical breast exam.
- MRI of the Breast – imaging test that uses magnets to create detailed pictures of the breast, helping detect cancer that may not show up on a mammogram.
- Breast Biopsy Stereotactic Core – a minimally invasive procedure that uses 3D imaging (like mammography) to guide a needle precisely to an area of concern in the breast so a tissue sample can be taken.
Conclusion
Let Nicole’s story inspire you—early detection saves lives. At Jefferson Radiology, we’re proud to offer advanced technology, ensuring you receive the most accurate results and best care possible. Call 860-289-3375 to schedule your 3D mammogram with us today.
