October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on your health: breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among American women. Yet there’s also a powerful reason for hope. When detected early through regular screening, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 99%. For women in Alaska, where access to specialized care can be challenging, early detection through screening mammograms is even more critical.
In Alaska, according to the American Cancer Society, in 2025, approximately 550 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and nearly 70 died from the disease. Many of these deaths are preventable. National studies show that regular mammography screening reduces breast cancer mortality by about 40% in women who participate in screening programs. These studies, conducted by independent researchers at universities and medical centers worldwide, are published in peer-reviewed journals and have been replicated across different countries and healthcare systems, including those in Europe, South Korea, Japan, and China. The consistency of findings across decades of research, in nations with vastly different healthcare models, confirms that mammography screening has saved the lives of countless women. Women who are mothers and grandmothers, giving them another birthday to be with their families. That translates to hundreds of Alaskan lives saved each decade through consistent screening.
Current guidelines recommend that women at average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, or other risk factors may need to start earlier. If you’re unsure whether you’re due for screening, talk with your primary care provider. Medicare and most insurance plans cover annual screening mammograms with no out-of-pocket cost.
So, what exactly is a mammogram? It’s essentially an X-ray of the breast. The breast is briefly compressed to obtain clear images from different angles. At South Peninsula Hospital, 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) is used, utilizing the latest technology for improved accuracy. A radiologist studies these images to look for signs of breast cancer, which often shows up as a dense, white mass or a cluster of abnormal calcifications. If something looks unclear or worrisome, you may be asked to return for additional mammogram pictures and an ultrasound.
Some women wonder whether thermography might be an alternative. Thermography uses an infrared camera to capture temperature variations on the skin’s surface. Areas that appear warmer may represent inflammation or increased blood flow. While this technology has applications in other medical fields, it’s important to understand its limitations for breast cancer screening.
Decades of research confirm that mammography is the only screening test proven to detect breast cancer early and reduce deaths from the disease. Mammography can find cancers years before they can be felt, often when they’re still highly treatable. Thermography, by contrast, has no evidence to show that it saves lives. It may sometimes identify large, obvious cancers, but by that point, the disease is often advanced. The FDA has specifically stated that thermography should not replace mammography for breast cancer screening.
In my own practice, I have cared for women who presented with advanced breast cancers after being told their thermogram was “normal.” These experiences reinforced the importance of understanding which screening tools are supported by worldwide evidence and which are not.
Mammography facilities in the United States must be certified by the FDA and meet strict quality standards. Many centers, including ours at South Peninsula Hospital, also choose to meet even higher benchmarks by earning recognition as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. This ensures that you’re receiving the highest quality care available.
I understand that some patients worry about radiation exposure from mammograms. The reality is that the dose is extremely small, comparable to the natural background radiation you’d receive flying across the country. The benefits of early detection far outweigh this minimal risk.
If you are due for your annual screening, don’t skip it. Early detection through mammography has saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Whether you’re scheduling your first mammogram or your twentieth, you’re taking an important step in protecting your health. The few minutes of discomfort during the exam are a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve done something proven to save lives.
Dr. Edson Knapp is a radiologist with a fellowship in imaging and treating cancer. His wife is an Ob/Gyn. They have lived in Homer for nearly ten years and work at South Peninsula Hospital. He is dedicated to the highest level of breast imaging and women’s health. He strives to deliver evidence-based care and provide women with the knowledge and care they need to live long lives. It is his dream that no one should ever die from breast cancer.
