Prevention: Mammography

Early detection of cancer increases treatment options and the chances for survival.¹ Mammography, the most effective method for detecting breast cancer at its early stages,⁴ can identify malignancies before they can be felt and before symptoms develop. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every 1-2 years for women age 40 and older.⁵

Figure 2.1. Women age 40 and over who report they had a mammogram within the past 2 years, 2000, 2002

[D] Select for Text Description.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2000, 2002.

Key: Above average = mammography rate is significantly above the all-States average in both 2000 and 2002. Below average = mammography rate is significantly below the all-States average in both 2000 and 2002.

Note: "All-States average" is the average of all responding States (51 in this case), which is a separate figure from the national average.

• Six Statesⁱⁱⁱ were significantly above the average for all States in both 2000 and 2002, with a combined average mammography rate of 80.2% in 2002 (Figure 2.1).
• For 2003, the national mammography rate (received within the past 2 years) was 69.5% (National Health Interview Survey). This is very close to the Healthy People 2010 target of 70% but not significantly different from the national rate in 2000.

ⁱⁱⁱ The six States are New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, and Delaware.

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