Continuing to Create More Informed Breast Cancer Awareness
As stated in last week’s article, the definition for awareness is concern about and well-informed interest in a particular situation or development. It was also discussed that our mission here at The Breast Center is to create well-informed patients along with a well-informed community. Last week we discussed one myth that needed to be overcome, “I don’t have to worry, I don’t have any family history of breast cancer”. We addressed that 3 out of 4 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.
So, what are some of the other reasons that only about 40% of women in the Permian Basin who should get a mammogram, do so? We gathered information through a survey and found these to be some of the other reason women are not getting their mammogram.
One of the reasons women told us is that they think, I am too young. The American College of Radiology recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40. There are other societies who have recommended waiting until age 50. However, one such recommending body has changed its position to the starting age of 40, after much research. Here at The Breast Center we have always recommended starting at age 40 (unless you are high-risk and then earlier screenings are recommended). 1 in 6 breast cancers that are diagnosed are in women aged 40-49. These premenopausal cancers tend to be more aggressive, making screening and early detection even more important.
Another reason ladies reported to us is I am too old. 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer sometime in their lifetime. Risk continues to increase as a woman grows older.
- Women in their 30’s . . .1 in 204
- Women in their 40’s . . .1 in 65
- Women in their 50’s . . .1 in 42
- Women in their 60’s . . .1 in 28
- Women in their 70’s . . .1 in 24
As long as a woman is physically able, we encourage her to continue to get her mammogram. We have certainly diagnosed plenty of women in their 80’s and 90’s.
As human nature is, one of the reasons women informed us that they were not getting their mammogram is the fear that it is going to hurt. Let me start this discussion with now that we are using 3D or Tomosynthesis in our mammograms, many women have stated that they felt the procedure was much less uncomfortable. Certainly, pain is very individualized, so each person has their own tolerance of pain. However, no matter your pain tolerance level…I want to ask you ladies how many times you have danced in high heels all evening or gotten a part of your body waxed or did something else that going in, you knew it would cause pain? My next question, will that pain you endured for a short while save your life? I don’t think so. But a mammogram certainly could.
As busy as everyone is these days, of course one of the reasons that was listed was I don’t have time. In general, women tend to take care of everyone except themselves. We take care of children, spouses, parents, neighbors, coworkers, etc. But when it comes to taking care of ourselves, we put that off. Normally, you are in and out of our center within 30 minutes for a screening mammogram and that is once a year. My question here is, how many of us spend 30 minutes a day on Facebook or watching our favorite show or podcast. Again, will this save your life? Once more, I don’t think so. But 30 minutes a year invested in having your mammogram certainly can.
Finally, money is always on everyone’s mind and especially paying for a screening for those who are uninsured. I can’t afford it, is the final barrier that was revealed to us. However, we want to make sure that everyone is aware that our friends at Pink the Basin work hard to make sure that there are funds for all women to have their mammogram and any other breast imaging that they may need. Each year, the hospital receives a grant from Pink the Basin to pay for breast imaging for those who are uninsured or underinsured. The income guidelines are quite liberal. A family of 4 can make up to $120,000 and still receive help. So even if you have been turned down for other funding, call us to see if we can help.
Hopefully, we have addressed many of the reasons why there are still numerous women who are not following the recommendation of a yearly mammogram. In this month of October and breast cancer awareness, if any of these are the reasons that have held you back…..consider getting your mammogram. Do it for yourself and for those you love.