Most women know the importance of having a yearly mammogram once they’ve reached the age of 40. However, there are many women who have let years go by without scheduling their mammogram. Even though there are groups who sponsor programs to get the word out year after year, splattering the media with pink ribbons and information, women sometimes still fall behind in this crucial tool in their breast health.
The reasons a woman might not get a regular mammogram vary. There are some women who believe that if they perform monthly breast self-exams without fail, or if they have clinical exams, they will certainly be able to detect any lumps or feel any irregularities that might be problematic.
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.
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast which can detect lumps and problems before you or even your doctor can feel them. And, since early detection is key to successfully treating breast cancer, a mammogram should be part of your yearly health check-up routine.
Many women have become very adept at doing their breast self-exams and believe they could never miss a lump. However, studies prove that even with excellent monthly self-exams, mammograms have found lumps and irregularities that could not be felt. A combination of routine mammograms and breast self-exams is your best defense against an undiscovered lump in your breast.
The National Cancer Institute estimates show that 1 in 8 women born today will have breast cancer during their lifetime. But, whatever the statistics say, it always comes down to just 1. Me. If I want the best chance of fighting breast cancer if I am that one woman, then wouldn’t a mammogram be the best tool to use? Since early detection is the key to fighting and winning, and mammograms give us the earliest detection possible, isn’t it wise to make yearly mammograms a part of life?
Even though some women agree that mammograms are the best way to increase the chances for early detection and, therefore, a more positive breast health approach, they simply feel they can’t afford one. Whether these women lack health insurance or they are under-insured, they just don’t see that they have an option.
If you are thinking that you can’t afford a mammogram, think again. Start by calling your local hospital or clinic and ask about low cost or free programs during the month of October in observance of National Breast Health Awareness Month. These programs fill up quickly, so call right away and schedule an appointment. The hospital may direction you to a state or local program that could offer an array of health care including your yearly mammogram and annual exam, along with other care you may need if your test results warrant further examination.
Please don’t miss your yearly mammogram because you think you can’t afford it. Call your local hospital or go online to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) or the American Cancer Society and find the information you need for your location. Free and low cost programs are out there, you just need to find them. Don’t let another year go by without getting your mammogram.
Financial worries are affecting many women, and none more than women who are trying to figure out how to afford a yearly mammogram. Get the information you need to schedule your appointment today for a free or low cost mammogram.