Breast Health Care

Missouri Baptist doctors advise yearly mammograms starting at 40

“Under the current American Cancer Society screening guidelines, it is well documented that breast cancer deaths have dropped 30 percent in women of all ages,” said Geoffrey Hamill, MD, PhD, section chief of mammography. Early detection of cancer is key.

Breast health recommendations

• Annual mammograms starting at 40, or as recommended by physician
• Annual breast exam by physician
• Monthly breast self-exams starting in 20s; report any change promptly to your healthcare provider

What are micro calcifications?

Micro calcifications are small mineral deposits in breast tissue. Although very small, they can be detected by a digital mammogram. They usually do not mean cancer is present. If the calcifications look suspicious for cancer, however, a biopsy is performed.

What are macro calcifications?

Macro calcifications are larger mineral deposits in breast tissue. They can be caused by cancer, but most likely are caused by aging of the breast arteries, old injuries or inflammation, and are found in about half of women over 50.

Breast cancer stats

About 180,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States. The vast majority of the women will survive breast cancer. Surgical treatment of breast cancer has become less and less invasive, while achieving these results.

Lumpectomy facts

Lumpectomy is an important advance in breast surgery. Cancer is removed, sparing the breast itself and offer women less trauma, a superior cosmetic result and quicker return to activities. They are best-suited for single, small cancers.

Why early detection is important