Take Action: Five Good Reasons to Get a Mammogram

“Being health conscious, I started getting mammograms at age forty, even though there is no history of breast cancer in my family.  Due to regular screening, tissue changes were noticed ten years later.  I would like to point out, the tumors were located close to my chest wall, the prior test and physical exam was clear; I am not sure how big they would have had to get to be felt through self examination. The cancer turned out to be invasive and aggressive, a mammogram saved my life!”

 

This October many survivors are telling stories like the one above, encouraging their family, friends, co-workers, anyone who will listen to schedule a mammogram.  Susan G. Komen as well as the American Cancer Society, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Society for Breast Imaging, and the American College of Radiology  recommend that yearly screening mammography should begin at age 40, unless there are circumstances that would suggest a higher risk.  You and your physician should discuss your risk factors and determine the best course of action for you.

“I don’t know if it's fear or just the busyness of life that keeps women from getting their screenings. It is anxiety-provoking for a lot of women, but when caught early your prognosis is so much better.”

It is easy to put off having your mammogram, especially if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms and don’t have any reason to worry.  One of the best reasons for getting a mammogram is for the people who love you, but here are five more:

5.  Breast cancer risk increases with age, 1 out of 8 women will have breast cancer in their lifetime.     

4.  Regular mammograms give radiologists a basis for comparison, which helps doctors find small changes in breast tissue to detect cancer as early as possible.

3.  A screening mammogram usually takes just 20 to 30 minutes to perform.

2.  It’s only uncomfortable for a few seconds.

1.  Early detection can save your life.   A mammogram is a key way to detect breast cancer early, which increases chances for successful treatment.
 

“My message is take care of yourself first; otherwise you won’t be any good for your family.”

Sometimes the roadblock is a combination of economic barriers, problems with transportation, access-related factors, cultural barriers, lack of knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, and misunderstanding of recommended screening frequency.  Susan G. Komen Kansas grantee, The Witness Project of Kansas is an African American community-based outreach program that utilizes African American volunteer cancer survivors and community lay health advisors for breast cancer awareness and education.  The Witness Project is helping women navigate the health care system, enrolling more women in Early Detection Works, in the hope of ultimately lowering the African American breast cancer mortality rate in Kansas.

“A mammogram saved my life!  I no long sweat the small stuff and look at each day as a gift.  I have always liked the color pink but now it has a totally new meaning in my life. I am wearing it as a Survivor!”