Breast Cancer - Early Detection

Since 1996, researchers at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, New Hampshire radiologists, mammography technologists and NH women have been working together to learn more about finding breast cancer in its earliest stages.

  • 800 - 900 New Hampshire women learn they have breast cancer every year

  • More than 200 New Hampshire women die from breast cancer every year

  • Finding and treating breast cancer early, before it spreads, saves women's lives

  • Yearly mammograms help detect breast cancer early, when it is very small

  • Over 200,000 Women are enrolled in the New Hampshire Mammography Network


Answers to Common Questions:

Q:How do you use the information I give you about my mammogram?

A: Because much of our work focuses on mammography as a screening tool, we need to collect as much information as possible on every mammogram done in NH. This allows us to compare mammography histories of women who do and do not get breast cancer.

Q: Why do you ask so many personal questions such as marital status, education or pregnancy information?

A: Anything that may effect a woman's health, access to health care, or risk of getting a disease is important for us to study. For example, sometimes it is harder for women who are widowed or divorced to pay for regular mammograms. Understanding this will help us influence public policy to ensure all women can have regular, affordable mammograms.

Q: Why do you ask for my social security number and maiden name?

A: Your name may change from time to time, but your social security number and maiden name stay the same. This information helps us correctly link a woman's new mammography information with her previous information.

THE NHMN ENSURES YOUR INFORMATION IS ALWAYS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL