Have you had your yearly mammogram?
Getting a yearly mammogram can help find problems early. Call your doctor to get started.
What is a mammogram
- A mammogram is also known as a breast cancer screening.
- A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to check your breast for cancer. This test can find tumors that are too small for you or your doctor to feel.
- A mammogram checks to see if a woman has breast cancer before there are signs of cancer.
Why should I get a mammogram?
- A woman has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. Cancer can be easier to treat when it is found early.
At what age should I get a mammogram?
- Women age 40-49 should discuss with their doctor about when and how often they should get a mammogram.
- Women between age 50-74 should get a mammogram every other year.
- If you have a family history of breast cancer, begin talking to your doctor before you turn 40 and learn about when a screening is right for you.
What are the benefits of a mammogram?
We understand mammograms may be uncomfortable. The slight pressure you may feel for a few moments is better than a lifetime of pain that breast cancer may cause.
1. Early detection of breast cancer may save your life
2. Save time and money from cancer related issues
3. Have peace of mind for you and your loved ones
Risk Factors
Researchers have found several risk factors that can make a women more likely to have the disease, but they don’t tell us who will get it. Some of the know factors that can raise your risk:
- Being a woman and getting older
- Genetics
- Family history
- Personal history
- Hormonal history
- Childbearing history
While you can’t change getting older or family history, there are other known risk factors you can address to try to lower your risk of breast cancer.
- Keep your weight in the normal range.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Be physically active.
- Don’t smoke.
- Avoid hormone replacement therapy after menopause.
Screenings You Should Have
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine – Anyone between the ages of 12 to 26, regardless of their gender, should talk to their doctor about the HPV vaccine. Cervical Cancer at 24 – Have a pap smear every 3 years. Chlamydia – If sexually active get tested every year.
If you are a smoker, ask your doctor about options to help you quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start, and avoid breathing other people’s smoke.
Sources: American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
21
Cervical Cancer at 21 – Have a pap smear every 3 years. Chlamydia – If sexually active get tested every year.
40
Breast Cancer at 40 – Talk to your doctor about getting a mammogram every year.
50
Breast Cancer at 50 – You should start getting a mamogram everyother year, until age 74.
Colorectal Cancer at 50 – The most common screenings are stool tests and a colonoscopy. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer may need to start screening earlier. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer may need to start screening earlier.
55
Lung Cancer at 55 – It is one of the few cancers that can often
be prevented. Talk to your doctor.
65
At 65 – If you have been screened regularly and had normal pap
smear results, continue to talk to your doctor about what screening is
best for you.
Advice Nurse Line
Sometimes you need to talk to a nurse when you cannot talk to your doctor. The Advice Nurse helps you with any health problem you or someone in your family has. Click here for more information.
HealthReach 24/7 nurse and doctor advice line, call toll free:
1-800-655-8294
Posted on May 10th, 2019 and last modified on October 21st, 2024.
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