Mammograms: Early Detection and Prevention of Breast Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that approximately 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 40,000 of them will die from breast cancer each year. One of the best ways to detect the presence of breast cancer is by having routine mammograms. A mammogram is a low dose x-ray of your breasts to look for any changes or abnormalities in your breast tissue.

Mammograms are nothing to fear. Some women are concerned about potential pain or discomfort while undergoing a mammogram. The truth is that there might be some discomfort - your breasts might feel slightly pinched or squeezed - as the technician places your breasts into the x-ray machine and the x-ray plates compress your breasts to flatten them. The important thing to remember is that each x-ray takes only a few seconds and that the mammogram, in coordination with routine clinical breast exams by your doctor, is the best method for early detection of breast cancer.

The National Cancer Institute recommends that you should get a mammogram annually if you are 40 years old or older. Women who have had breast cancer, or have a family history of breast cancer, should also get routine mammograms.

Getting Ready For Your Mammogram

• Do not schedule your mammogram the week before your menstrual cycle. Your breasts are already swollen and tender the week before your period and the goal is to get the best picture of your breasts with the least amount of discomfort.
• If you have breast implants, make sure to mention that when you schedule the appointment for your mammogram.
• Do not wear any deodorant, perfume, lotion or powder under your arms to your mammogram appointment.
• Do not wear a one piece outfit, like a dress, to your mammogram appointment. It will be easier to wear a shirt with either pants or a skirt so that you can undress from the waist up to get your mammogram.

Early detection of breast cancer is the best defense against prevention. Early detection helps decrease the risk of death because treatment can be started earlier, possibly before the disease has had a chance to spread.

If you are over 40 years old and haven’t had a mammogram, talk to your doctor about scheduling one. Your health insurance should cover the cost of all or part of a screening mammogram. If you do not have health insurance, or find that it isn’t a coverable item, there are a couple of low-cost to no-cost options.

Medicare covers a screening mammogram each year. For more information about this option:

1. Visit medicare.gov
2. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

Also, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) coordinates the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To find a local program:

1. Visit http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp
2. Call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)