Future Diagnostics Group

🌸 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! 🌸

Did you know that breast cancer rates have dropped by 44% in the United States since 1989? This is due to Breast Cancer Awareness Month helping to raise awareness of breast cancer throughout the US. It encourages millions of people to take action, which resulted in advancements in treatment & research and increased early detection.

1 in 8 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer throughout their lifetime. In 2025, an estimated 316,950 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and an additional 59,080 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed. When caught early, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. There are over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the US due to advances in early detection and treatment.

Early detection is key for treatment and survival rates. It is recommended for women 40 and older to have a mammogram every year. Women 40 and under who have genetic risk factors for breast cancer are also recommended to have a mammogram or another type of exam. Even women who have no symptoms or known genetic risk factors should have annual mammograms to help detect breast cancer as early as possible. Mammograms can often show a breast lump before it can be felt.

Dense breast tissue can also increase the risk of breast cancer and can make lumps harder to detect on mammograms. Illinois has a Dense Breast Law that requires mammogram reports to state if a patient has dense breast tissue. Having dense breast tissue is normal, over 40% of women have it. At FDG, we offer an automated breast ultrasound for dense breasts. This exam is recommended for patients with dense breast tissue to have along with their annual mammogram to improve early detection.

At Future Diagnostics Group, we make it easy to schedule your mammogram! We have availability right away and we aim to make your experience seamless; from the moment you schedule your mammogram, to the exam itself. Give us a call to set up your appointment or if you have any questions.