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Writer's pictureMemorial Hospital

One in Eight

Updated: Dec 14, 2021


Rhonda Mott, Chief Radiology Tech. & Heather Williamson, Radiology Tech 4, in the Mammography Suite.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, with more than 276,480 new cases expected in 2020, according to the American Cancer Society. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. It affects all races and 75% of those with breast cancer, have no family history of the disease.


There are factors that can increase your risk of the disease but some woman will get breast cancer even without any risk factors. There are somethings you cannot change to reduce your risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such as:

  • Getting older

  • Genetic mutations

  • Reproductive history

  • Having dense breasts

  • Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases

  • Family history of breast or ovarian cancer

  • Previous treatment using radiation therapy

The good news is there are lifestyle changes and preventative measures you can take to help reduce your risk of breast cancer, they include:

  • Performing a monthly self-breast exam

  • Being physically active

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

  • Don’t drink alcohol or limit the amount of alcohol you drink

  • If you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the risks

  • Breastfeed your children, if possible

Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early. With early detection, the disease is more treatable. Talk to your doctor about scheduling a mammogram, especially if you may be at high risk. The American Cancer Society recommends screening at the following ages:


Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.
Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
Women 55 and older can continue yearly screening, and should speak with their provider about switching to mammograms every 2 years.


Memorial Hospital is pleased to offer our patients the Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam available on a Selenia® Dimensions® system from Hologic, is revolutionizing how breast cancer is detected by providing a better option for women of all breast densities compared to 2D alone. Researchers have found that:

  • The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam finds 20-65% more invasive breast cancers compared to 2D alone, an average increase of 41%.3

  • Only the Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam is FDA approved as superior for women with dense breasts compared to 2D alone.1-2

  • The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam reduces callbacks by up to 40% compared to 2D alone.2,4

For additional information about the Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam,

please call us at 618-826-4581

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