October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While mammograms do not prevent cancer, they can certainly increase the chances of survival by diagnosing the disease as early as possible – before any signs or symptoms begin. They can detect small tumors up to three years before one feels them and can reduce breast cancer fatality risk by 25 – 30 % or more. If that is not enough to convince you to keep your next appointment, here are some mammogram myths and facts.
Breast cancer doesn’t run in my family, so I don’t need to worry about a mammogram. While it is true that if breast cancer runs in the family, you are more likely to get it. But 75% of women who get breast cancer have no family history.
I’m too young. The most common age that breast cancer occurs in women 55 or older, but it can still happen to young, healthy women.
I’m afraid of what they might find. Jumping to conclusions is everyone’s worst enemy, but 80% of callbacks turn out to be benign, and wouldn’t you want to know if something was there?
It’s too painful. Yes, some discomfort will occur during a mammogram, but it is quick. It will help to schedule your screening when your breasts are less sensitive (i.e., not right before your period), take over-the-counter pain meds before, and let the technologist know you are sensitive.
I’m too busy. Mammograms only take 15-30 minutes and are part of your routine health care. Put it in your calendar like any other healthcare appointment.
Learn more about these screening methods by visiting BreastCancer.org.
Source:
https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/features/10-mammogram-excuses-busted
https://www.pfizer.com/news/articles/mammogram_myths_and_facts
