Ask the Expert - Are MammogramsReally Necessary?
Paula Lundgren, MD, FACS
CaroMont Breast Surgical Specialists
When we think of getting a mammogram, there are tons of things that sound
more fun. But with breast cancer being the second leading cause of death
in women, taking some time out to get a mammogram could save your life.
Dr. Lundgren explains why.
Q: Is a mammogram really necessary? It makes me feel uncomfortable.
A: Though it's a few minutes of awkwardness, a mammogram can save your
life. In 2015, 262 people at CaroMont Health were diagnosed with breast
cancer and of those cases, 86 percent were diagnosed at an early stage.
No one knows your body like you, and I can't stress the importance
of breast self-exams. Mammograms are designed to find cancer before physical
symptoms develop, but breast self-exams help women get familiar with the
look and feel of their breasts. Once you are familiar with your breasts,
it will be easier to report any changes to your doctor.
CaroMont Breast Surgical Specialists provides surgical services for diseases
and cancer of the breast. Our patients receive compassionate, individualized
care from fellowship-trained breast surgeon Paula Lundgren, MD, FACS.
For more information, contact us at 704.671.7390.