Each year, Breast Cancer Awareness Month puts a figurative spotlight on the importance of mammograms and the significance of this screening tool in detection of this disease that impacts the lives of so many women.

Approximately 281,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year throughout the United States and 43,600 women are expected to die from the disease this year in the U.S.

At Cucamonga Valley Medical Group, we encourage patients to discuss with their physician the best course of action for their own situation.

Breast cancer screening tools are used to find breast cancer in a woman who might not have any warning signs or symptoms. Mammography is a test that uses X-rays to create images of the breast. These images, called mammograms, are used by radiologists and physicians to detect breast cancer.

If you’re planning to have a mammogram for the first time, it’s natural to have questions. Again, discuss the matter with your physician.

Women who are age 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms, according to the American Cancer Society. Those age 45 to 54 are recommended to get mammograms annually. Those 55 and older are encouraged to have mammograms every two years, or continue yearly screening if they wish.