Mammograms save lives — Dr. Casandra Anderson

It is October again, and as this symbolizes the start of fall, it is also the month that should remind you to get a mammogram.

Mammograms save lives.

They allow for the early detection of breast cancer and with early detection, comes improved survival. The recent publication from the American cancer society “Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2024-2025, highlights the improvement of survival rates for breast cancer over the last several decades.

Since 1989 cancer death rate has dropped by 44% because of advances in treatment and earlier detection. This report also notes an increased incidence of breast cancer by 1% annually overall (2012-2020), and 1.4% per year for women under 50 years old.

Because of this trend, the US preventive Services Task Force has changed their recommendations for screening mammograms. For women of average risk, mammogram screening should now start at age 40. The frequency is still controversial. The preventive task force recommends every 2 years. However, other national cancer societies such as the American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends annual mammograms.

The benefit of annual mammograms is earlier detection with more favorable prognostic characteristics such as smaller tumors and earlier stage with leads to less aggressive surgery and less toxic chemotherapy.

Screening should be tailored to an individual’s risk of developing breast cancer. In patients that are considered to have a lifetime risk of breast cancer around 20-25% may qualify for additional screening with supplemental breast MRI.

Patients who are considered high risk are those with biopsies confirming atypical hyperplasia, a carrier of an inherited genetic mutation for breast cancer (BRCA1/2, Palb2, TP53) or who have multiple first degree relatives with breast cancer. If you think you may be at higher risk for breast cancer, consult a breast expert for further evaluation.

There are also some modifiable factors that can increase a women’s risk for breast cancer such as increased alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, obesity, prolonged use of menopausal hormone replacement therapy, and a diet high in processed foods and high sugar.

So this year, instead of a new years resolution, how about an October resolution to go out and get your mammogram, increase your physical activity, and eat a little healthier.

Dr. Casandra Anderson

Dr. Casandra Anderson graduated summa cum laude from the University
of Minnesota in 1995. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical
School in 2000 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary
Medical Society.

She completed her surgical residency at Hennepin County
Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at which time she also participated
in a surgical critical care fellowship. Dr. Anderson then went on to train in
surgical oncology at City of Hope in Duarte, California.

Dr. Casandra Anderson’s interests are in breast care, including complex cancer
care and high-risk screening. She has helped develop shared decision-
-making tools, as well as value and preference surveys to help her patients
understand their options and voice their preferences.

She recognizes the social
and emotional challenges that come with a life-changing diagnosis, and
is dedicated to her patients’ treatment and recovery.

Check more: https://ccare.com/locations/fresno/