The document summarizes frequently asked questions about mammography screening. It addresses questions such as why mammograms begin at age 40, how often they are necessary, the likelihood of additional testing, and whether mammograms save lives. It recommends that women receive yearly mammograms starting at age 40, in agreement with major medical organizations. Mammography can detect breast cancer early and reduce mortality, and the radiation exposure is very low.

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Why begin mammograms at age 40?
- 1 in 6 breast cancers occurs in women aged 40-49.
- The 10-year risk for breast cancer in a 40 year old is 1 in 69.
- 40% of patient years of life saved by mammography are in
women aged 40-49 (not to mention the devastating effect
on the family of the loss of a young mother).
What about patients not at "high risk"?
- 75-90% of women with breast cancer have no family
history of the disease and are not considered high risk.
Why are mammograms necessary every year?
- Up to 30% of cancers are missed with biennial mammograms.
How often are patients called back for extra views?
- For every 1,000 women who have a screening mammogram at Vancouver Radiolo-
gists, 70 will be called back for another look (7%, which is lower than the national
average of 10%).
- Women with denser breast patterns are also more likely to get a recall. These women
benefit more from 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) which takes “slice” pictures of
the breasts to avoid the “overlap” of regular digital mammograms.
- For patients overall, 3D mammography significantly lowers call-back rates.
What is the likelihood of getting a biopsy at the call-back
appointment?
- Of patients called back, about 15% may have a biopsy, and 1/3 (5% of those called
back) will have cancer. In other words, of 1,000 screening mammograms, 70 women
will be called back and 4 will have cancer.
...continued on page 2
Mammography Saves Lives - FAQ
Introducing Dr. Eric Bass
VanRad Reminders:
Radiologist News:
October 2016 // Issue 1
We welcome your feedback and suggestions about this newsletter and our
services. Please call us at 360.449.4986 or e-mail us at marketing@vanrad.com.
Vancouver Radiologists is pleased to introduce Eric C. Bass, D.O. as the newest physician
to join Vancouver Radiologists.
As a board certified radiologist, Dr. Bass specializes in neuroradiology with a special
interest in head and neck. Dr. Bass is working at both imaging centers of Vancouver
Radiologists in the Vancouver Village and Fisher’s Landing areas. In addition, he has
privileges at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center.
...continued on page 2
Welcome Dr. Eric Bass
to the practice!
Visit us online at www.VanRad.com or check us out on
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Orders for all imaging
studies and procedures are
good for 30 days.
If an appointment is not
made within 30 days, the
expired order will be
returned to the provider for
revision.
We appreciate your
referrals and value the trust
you have placed in Vancou-
ver Radiologists.

2. Is breast cancer usually fatal?
- In the U.S., 231,000 women are diagnosed yearly with breast cancer, and 40,000 die from the disease. Deaths are highest
among those who were not screened and have their cancer found at later stages.
Do mammograms save many lives?
- Yes! Mammography (in the U.S.) has helped reduce breast cancer mortality by 1/3 since 1990. Studies in Sweden show a 40%
drop.
What about the radiation?
- The dose absorbed by the body is equal to 7 weeks of exposure to natural radiation occurring all around us, to 1/20 of a CT
chest scan or to 4 chest x-rays.
- The radiation dose using tomosynthesis is the same as 2D mammography.
What does Vancouver Radiologists recommend?
- The physicians of Vancouver Radiologists agree with the American College of Radiology, the Society for Breast Imaging and the
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology that women should receive yearly mammograms starting at age 40.
Author: Joel Rubenstein, MD, Vancouver Radiologists, P.C.
Sources:
Radiology Info (http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=safety-xray)
Breast, 2015 Apr;24(2):93-99 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25554018
Mammography Saves Lives (http://www.mammographysaveslives.org/Facts)
American College of Radiology/Society for Breast Imaging, D. Kopans, MD
(https://www.sbi-online.org/Portals/0/downloads/docu-
ments/pdfs/THE%20FACTS%20ABOUT%20MAMMOGRAPHY%20SCREENING-Kopans.pdf)
U.S. Preventive Service Task Force
(http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/RecommendationStatementFinal/breast-cancer-screening1)
Mammography Saves Lives - FAQ (continued)
Schedule your appointment at 360.254.4914 or schedule your
screening mammogram online today at: www.vanrad.com/breast-center
Vancouver Village | 4816A NE Thurston Way | Vancouver, WA 98662
Annual mammograms can detect cancer early - when it is
most treatable. Our radiologists recommend getting
screened every year starting at the age of 40.
Wouldn’t you want peace of mind every year?
When it comes time to make your mammogram appointment,
consider 3D mammography for a sharper and clearer image.
When it comes to your breast health,
you deserve the best care possible!
Introducing Dr. Eric Bass (continued)
• Undergraduate degree - Brigham Young University
• Medical degree - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Missouri
• Transitional internship & residency - Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma
• Neuroradiology fellowship - the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
Dr. Bass also served 9 years in the United States Army & achieved the rank of Major.
“Dr. Bass has already proven to be a valuable addition to our practice,” comments John Schroeder, M.D., CEO and
Medical Director of Vancouver Radiologists, P.C.
Dr. Bass looks forward to working with the Vancouver Radiologists’ team and getting to know our referring medical partners
and their patients.
Remind your
patients about
scheduling their
annual
mammogram!