VICKSBURG – The American College of Radiology now recommends women who are at average risk for breast cancer get screening mammograms annually starting at age 40. The recommendations are in response to the increase in breast cancer diagnoses in younger women and high mortality rates in Black women.

In Mississippi, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women – at more than double the rate of lung cancer, the next most common cancer. Across the U.S., 272,454 new female breast cancer cases were reported in 2021, the most recent year data is available.

Women with strong family histories of breast cancer, African Americans, and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should have a risk assessment at age 25 to see if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40. Women who were previously diagnosed with breast cancer are recommended to be screened with magnetic resonance imaging and MRI.

 “The best chance for survival of any cancer is early diagnosis and treatment,” said Thomas Weeks, M.D. “Mammograms can detect cancer before any symptoms, such as a lump, or spreading of the disease occurs, which can increase the likelihood of recovery.”

Early detection saves lives

While mortality from breast cancer has declined in recent years, it remains the second most common cancer-causing death in women. Lung cancer is the most common.

Fortunately, a screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Merit Health River Region is encouraging women to schedule their screening now because when breast cancer is detected early, life-saving treatment can begin right away.

According to the American Cancer Society, women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer found earlier, are less likely to need aggressive treatments like surgery to remove the entire breast (mastectomy) and chemotherapy, and are more likely to be cured. 

Merit Health River Region is an accredited mammography facility by the American College of Radiology. It offers 3D mammography exams and 3D breast biopsies.

To schedule a mammogram, call 601-883-5016. To find a primary care doctor or OB/GYN, visit https://www.merithealthvicksburgdocs.com/ob-gyn.

About Merit Health

Merit Health serves the healthcare needs of residents of Mississippi through its 9 affiliated hospitals. The healthcare system offers a wide array of services including orthopedics, cardiology, women’s health, emergency departments and broad diagnostic medical and surgical services. The network has more than 1,700 licensed beds, more than 2,500 physicians on the combined active medical staffs, more than 3,000 employees, and more than 40,000 admissions and more than 250,000 emergency department visits each year.