MOST OF US CAN FIND A REASON TO PUT OFFA MAMMOGRAM. LIFE IS BUSY.
The appointment may feel uncomfortable. Maybe we are worried about what it could find or convinced breast cancer will not happen to us.
But breast cancer does not wait for a convenient time.
About one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. It is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, after skin cancer. The good news is that mammograms can find breast cancer before a lump can be felt or other symptoms appear, when treatment may be most effective.
Know when to be screened For women at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every other year from ages 40 through 74. Other medical organizations offer different screening schedules. Some women may also need to begin earlier or be screened more often because of family history, genetic factors, dense breast tissue or previous breast concerns.
The best screening schedule is the one you and your healthcare provider determine is right for you.
If you are 40 or older and have not discussed mammography with your provider, now is a good time to start.
Know what is normal for you A mammogram is important even when you feel healthy. Breast cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its earliest stages.
Between screenings, be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel and tell your healthcare provider about any change.
Changes that should be evaluated include:
•A new lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm
•A change in breast size or shape
•Dimpling, puckering, redness or swelling of the skin
•A nipple that begins turning inward •Nipple discharge
•Persistent breast pain or another unexplained change.
These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should not be ignored.
Understand your breast density Your mammogram results will tell you whether you have dense breast tissue. Dense tissue is common, makes cancer more difficult to see on a mammogram and is also a breast cancer risk factor.
If your results show dense breasts, talk with your provider about what that means for you and whether additional imaging should be considered. Take the next step
Not every breast cancer can be prevented, but healthy habits may help reduce risk.
Stay physically active, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol, avoid tobacco and learn your family history.
Most importantly, do not let fear, a busy schedule or the absence of symptoms keep you from being screened.
Wood County Hospital’s Women’s Center offers 3D mammography to support early detection.
If an area of concern is found, patients can also have additional imaging and breast biopsies performed on site.
For those who need further care, Wood County Hospital offers access to a surgeon who performs breast surgery, along with medical oncology, radiation oncology, nutrition therapy and supportive resources.
That means patients can move from screening to answers and, when needed, treatment with a connected team close to home.
One appointment could provide reassurance or identify a concern to help determine best available treatment options.
Making the call is an important step for your health and for the people who love you.
Schedule your mammogram by calling the Women’s Center at 419354-8743.
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