During a recent live interview, Dr. Joelle Jakobsen of Mercy Medical Group, and Dr. Daniel Herron of Mercy Radiology Group discussed breast cancer and mammograms, including common myths. 

During the interview, both doctors stressed the importance of breast cancer screenings. All women should give themselves monthly self-exams, feeling for irregular lumps in their breast tissue, and women over the age of 40 should receive yearly mammograms.

"During a quick, 15 minute exam, we get images of the breast using a mammography machine" says Dr. Herron. "An expert radiologist reviews the images, and that's how we're able to find early, often-curable, breast cancer." 

Studies show that women who have frequent mammograms reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer by about half. 

"Early detection saves lives. Women can get so busy taking care of everyone else, but we need to remember to take care of ourselves, too" says Dr. Jakobsen. "Take time out for yourself and get your yearly mammogram!"

If you'd like to schedule a mammogram, please visit https://www.dignityhealth.org/sacramento/medical-group/mercy-imaging-centers.