Take Charge.
How early breast cancer screening protects your health and peace of mind.
By Sonshine
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, but there is one powerful tool that consistently saves lives: early detection through screening. While the subject of mammograms and screenings may feel uncomfortable or even frightening for some, the reality is that simple screening allows breast cancer to be found at its earliest, most treatable stage.
WHY EARLY SCREENING MATTERS
When breast cancer is detected early, before it has spread beyond the breast, the chances of survival are dramatically higher. According to the American Cancer Society, women diagnosed at an early stage often have a 99% five-year survival rate. Mammograms, which use low-dose X-rays to look for changes in the breast, can identify tumors that are too small to be felt during a self-exam. This means women can begin treatment sooner, when it is most effective and less invasive.
Did you know that early screening also reduces the physical, emotional and financial toll of late-stage cancer? Treatments for advanced breast cancer often involve longer hospital stays, more aggressive therapies and greater disruption to family life. By contrast, cancers found early may be treated with surgery alone or with less intensive treatment. In short, screening protects not only health, but also quality of life.
WHEN TO BEGIN SCREENING
The question of when to start screening is particularly important, especially for women with a family history of breast cancer. According to Johns Hopkins, most women of average risk are encouraged to begin mammograms at age 40, with screenings every one to two years. However, women with higher risk factors, including those with a mother, sister or daughter who has had breast cancer, may need to start earlier.
In fact, Northwestern Medicine suggests consulting with your doctor and “consider getting a baseline mammogram at least 10 years before the age your family member was diagnosed. For example, if your mother was 40, your first mammogram should be at age 30. Mammograms are not recommended before the age of 30.”
For women at average risk, most health organizations recommend mammograms every one to two years from age 40 through 74, and at 75, the decision to continue screening should be based on overall health and life expectancy.
Taking charge of your health is not just about preventing illness, it’s about empowerment. Every woman deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing her health status. Open conversations with your doctor about your personal and family history are the first step to creating a screening plan that fits your needs.
my perspective
Faith, Friendship & the Power of Early Detection
When I was asked to write about the importance of early breast cancer screening, my heart immediately went back to my dear friend, Sister Deidra, who succumbed to cancer in 2015. Even in her toughest times, she carried herself with strength, grace and unwavering faith. I often think of the very last letter she wrote to me in April of that year, a letter I still hold close to my heart. Deidra believed in “mustard seed faith,” the idea that even the smallest seed of faith can grow into something high, strong and enduring. She became a partner in the nonprofit Mustard Seed Faith, which continues to remind others that faith is always present, even when unseen.
Her words that “early detection saves lives” continue to echo in my spirit. For anyone who has lost a loved one, the ache is deep. But her faith taught me that knowing and acting early can make the difference between life and loss. Most importantly, as I shared the valuable truth of my sister friend Deidra: EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES. Whether you are 30, 40 or beyond, your commitment to screening can make all the difference for you, your family and your future.
Deidra would always remind us: “Faith is with you, even when you can’t see it.”
