From an interview with
Dr. W. Shawn Conwell
Carolina Radiology Associates

Breast cancer is the number one cancer treated at McLeod Health each year. McLeod Radiologist Dr. Shawn Conwell says breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, but many women with breast cancer have no symptoms. That is one reason that having regular mammograms is so important.

“Numerous studies have shown that when breast cancer is diagnosed early, it has a cure rate of greater than 90%. Yearly screening mammograms can help to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage when it is very treatable.

Mammography is one of the most important techniques that physicians use to detect breast cancer. A large benefit of a mammogram is its ability to detect problem areas even before they can be felt. Finding breast cancer earlier means much lower levels of lymph node involvement, and that more women being treated for cancer are eligible for breast conservation.”

The American Cancer Society offers the following guidelines for women who are at average risk for breast cancer. For screening purposes, a woman is considered to be at average risk if she doesn’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as the BRCA gene), and has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30.

For women who are at high risk:

• Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
• Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
• Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue with yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
• All women should understand what to expect when getting a mammogram for breast cancer screening – what the test can and cannot do.

In recognition of breast cancer awareness month, all women ages 40 and over are encouraged to schedule an annual mammogram. To schedule a mammogram at one of our hospitals, please call 843-777-2095.

To learn more about mammography, speak with a radiologist near you.