Here’s An Opinion On:
By Patricia Winker
Most women know the importance of having a yearly mammogram once they’ve reached the age of 40. Every year there are hundreds of groups spreading the word about the importance of mammograms, inundating the media with pink ribbons and information.
However, there are many women who have let years go by without scheduling their mammogram. For one reason or another, there are still far too many women who are not getting routine mammograms, who are falling behind in this crucial tool in their breast health.
One reason women may be skipping their yearly mammogram may be that they believe breast self-exams or clinical exams will give them the information they need to detect any irregularities that need further examination.
However, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), even though doing breast self-exams is an important part of your overall breast health, it does not replace having a mammogram. Mammograms have been shown to decrease the risk of dying from breast cancer due to early detection. Physical examinations, no matter how diligent, fall short of finding smaller lumps.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) describes the three most widely used methods for detecting changes in breast tissue that may signal further examination, and they state their recommendation pretty clearly:
1) Mammogram – This is an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms detect breast cancer in its early stages when it is easier to treat. This method of looking at the breast tissue may find irregularities before they are large enough in size to actually feel. Regular mammograms can help lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. The CDC recommends a regularly scheduled mammogram every one to two years if you are 40 years or older.
2) Clinical breast exam – This is a physical examination of the breast by a doctor or nurse. Lumps and other physical changes in the breast appearance is what the doctor is in search of when he or she palpates the breast tissue by hand.
3) Breast self-exam – This is exactly what it sounds like; examining your own breasts with your hands and eyes. You will check your breasts for lumps, changes in size or shape of the breast, or any other changes in the breasts or armpit. Many women do this self-exam at least once a month in the shower.
Of these three standard breast exam methods, the clinical breast exam and the breast self-exam have not been found to decrease the risk of dying from breast cancer. What has been shown is that the best way to find breast cancer early is with a mammogram. You may choose to have your doctor do clinical breast exams, and you will definitely want to continue your regular breast self-exams, but be sure you include regularly scheduled mammograms as well.
Early detection is the key to winning the battle against breast cancer, and mammograms provide the best tool to receive the earliest detection possible. Because of this early detection of a lump, the woman and her doctor can discuss a wider range of treatments and her chances for a successful outcome increases.
Many women already agree that mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early. We all know the statistics, too. According to the National Cancer Institute, 1 in 8 women born today will battle breast cancer sometime during her life. So, if I want to arm myself with the best weapon available to me right now against dying from breast cancer, wouldn’t I choose a yearly mammogram? Of course. Then, if most women understand the importance of a mammogram, why are so many women skipping this vital test to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages?
The other reason women may be bypassing their yearly mammogram may be this simple: money. Many women without adequate health insurance or who have no insurance at all believe they can’t afford a mammogram. That is where they are mistaken. There is help available.
With a simple call to your local hospital, you may be surprised to hear that there are programs being offered for free and low cost mammograms. Call a hospital in your area and ask. Go online to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and click on your state to get the information you need. Check out the website for the American Cancer Society for information on programs in your area.
The programs that provide free and low cost mammograms are out there – you just need to do a little leg work. Make this the year that you finally take your breast health seriously and get your mammogram scheduled today.
About the Author: We at
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want every woman to get her mammogram this year. Don’t miss out because you are uninsured or under-insured. There are programs for every woman, so take advantage. Learn more about
Free and Low Cost Mammograms
and schedule your appointment today!
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