THE PROS
EARLY DETECTION - One component that contributes to the decreased deaths in Canada is from the early detection that mammography is able to provide. In many cases, annually screening with this detection method has allowed diagnosis of cancerous tumors at an early stage. When this opportunity is available, it gives women a variety of treatments that they can look into. This ranges from chemotherapy to a complete mastectomy (single or double mastectomy). Patients should have many options available, but without early detection many women have been forced to perform more serious treatments that also tend to be pricier. With many treatments available for patients, they can not only select which one they would prefer to complete, but also make it easier for the breast cancer to be treated. If cancer is treated at an early stage, it usually doesn't spread too much or cause women to suffer with a disease that can change their life forever.
MAMMOGRAPHY IS NON-INVASIVE
Over the years that mammograms have been performed, there have not been any recognized negative effects towards a woman's health. The pressure applied to the breasts does not impact a patient's health, nor does the radiation being produced. Mammograms do not produce enough radiation or pressure in order to pose a danger towards one's health. Therefore women should not be worried about the exposure to radiation and continue using this method, which has saved the lives of many and will continue to do so. Without this method available many people would not be here today.
IT IS ACCURATE AND HAS SAVED MANY LIVES -
The use of mammography has saved many lives over the course of the past years. In fact, it has decreased breast cancer death rates in Canada by about 35%, which continues to be a increasing number. If women screen annually, they will be informed about their breast health and any problems they may face. When patients have this information at hand, they are able to be proactive and prevent any further health issues. Although many women may find this method of screening uncomfortable, mammography has proven great accuracy. In recent years, patients who have screened their breasts were able to stop the cancer development in its track. When this is done at an early stage where the cancer hasn't become invasive, the chances of survival are higher. Some famous women who have won their battle with cancer include actress Angelina Jolie, Sharon Osbourne, wife of rock star Ozzy Osbourne, and news reporters Amy Robach and Robin Roberts. As Amy Robach and many other cancer survivors have said, "I am Lucky to be Alive."