Updated on Sep. 8, 2025
Breast cancer survival rates have improved to nearly 90% compared to 30 years ago, largely due to awareness of breast screening mammograms and improved treatment options. Yet alternative imaging modalities are circulating on social media, inciting fear of radiation exposure during mammograms.
“Mammograms are the single-most important tool to detect breast cancer and are considered the gold standard above anything else on the market. Mammograms use a minimal amount of radiation — about the same as seven weeks of natural exposure to one's surroundings — and the benefits of early breast cancer detection far outweigh the risk. Additionally, California has some of the most restrictive radiation protection laws in America.”
- Maya Sardjono, M.D., medical director, MemorialCare Breast Center, Long Beach Medical Center.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) approaches, MemorialCare Breast Centers recommend a baseline mammogram at age 40, then annually. For those at high risk, due to family history or dense breasts, may start earlier.
MemorialCare Breast Centers offer advanced technology, including 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy, ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, dedicated breast MRI, and bone density testing. MemorialCare Breast Centers are the only breast centers in the region with dedicated breast radiologists, breast surgeons, and breast medical oncologists who are solely focused on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
There are two MemorialCare Breast Centers to serve the greater Long Beach community in one in Long Beach at the Todd Cancer Pavilion and another in Los Alamitos.
