Woman over 40? Get Your Mammogram!

All Mammography Equipment Inspected By the Nassau County Department of Health

The best protection against breast cancer is early detection.  Mammography, in conjunction with a clinical breast exam, is still the best way to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage – an average of 1-3 years before a woman can feel the lump. The Nassau County Department of Health, the American Cancer Society and others* offer the following cancer screening guidelines for people at average risk for cancer and without any specific symptoms:

• Annual mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.

• Clinical breast exams every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.

• Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers.  Breast self-exams should be done by women starting in their 20s.

Those persons who are at increased risk for certain cancers may need to follow a different screening schedule, such as starting at an earlier age or being screened more often.  Those with symptoms that could be related to cancer should see their health care provider immediately.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Nassau County Department of Health reminds residents that the department inspects all mammography X-ray equipment at hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices and other installations to help insure patient safety.  A certified professional from the Department of Health Office of Radiological Health annually examines all mammography services to insure they meet quality standards for personnel, equipment, maximum allowable radiation dose, and other areas as specified in the Federal Mammography Quality Standards Act.

Every facility offering mammographies in Nassau County must be accredited by the American College of Radiology and have an up-to-date certificate from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA.)  This certificate should be prominently displayed for public view.

In Nassau County, there are 44 facilities with 63 mammography machines.  To find a facility in Nassau County or to research additional questions about mammography, you can visit the Food and Drug Administration Mammography Web Site at www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography/. 

For additional information about mammography equipment, call the Nassau County Department of Health Office of Radiological Health at (516) 227-9494.

*In addition to the New York State Department of Health, the following organizations also continue to recommend that women get annual screening mammograms:

American Academy of Family Physicians
American Cancer Society
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American College of Preventive Medicine
American College of Surgeons
American Society of Clinical Oncology
Cancer Research Foundation of America
National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations
National Cancer Institute
National Institutes of Health
National Medical Association
Oncology Nursing Society
Society of Gynecological Oncology
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation