The Importance of Mammograms

The Importance of Annual Mammograms

Every woman has heard at some time or another importance of having an annual mammogram, yet an alarming number of women ignore the recommendation of their doctor. This article reinforces the importance of having a mammogram done and some of the barriers facing early detection.

Breast cancer is a horrible disease, but it doesn’t have to be terminal. Regular medical exams are necessary to catch any abnormal findings especially in women who have a family history of breast cancer, or after experiencing menopause. Even women who fall into the ‘pre-menopausal’ category should consider having a mammogram every two years.

Mental Barriers to Early Detection:

Women sometimes face barriers that prevent them from getting a mammogram. There are three types of barriers which include:

· Interpersonal

· Cancer-related

· External

Since breast cancer can be a serious disease if not detected early it is important for women to get regular mammograms. These women need the love, support, compassion, and understanding of family and friends. Often encouraging words and reassurance are all they need to follow through with their exam.

Knowing the Facts

Both the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society recommend that a woman have a mammogram every one to two years starting at the age of 40. If you’ve been diagnosed as having fibrous breast, you may need to have a mammogram done more often. Talk to your doctor and ask them how many times or how often they would recommend getting a mammogram.

A woman's chance of getting breast cancer increases with age. So by the age of 50, one of 50 women will have breast cancer and by the age of 60, one out of 24 will have it. For women age 50-69 having mammograms on a regular basis reduces breast cancer deaths by 25 to 30%. That is according to the American Cancer Society.

Get serious about your health. If not for yourself and wellbeing, do it for your family! Take time to get your mammogram done, or if you already had yours, ask your loved ones to go and get one done. Make sure every woman you know realizes the importance of having a breast exam and mammogram. If they don't, encourage them to ask their doctor. Interest them in doing the research and finding out more about how to do the self exam.

BREAST CANCER RISKS…

There are several risk factors associated with breast cancer. Educating yourself about these risk factors is the first step in taking a proactive stance against breast cancer.

The risk is a little higher when there is history of breast cancer in your family. According to the American Cancer Society: “Altogether about 20-30% of the women with breast cancer have a family member with this disease, but it’s also important to note that this means that 70-80% of women who get breast cancer do not have a family history of this disease”.

Risk #1: Age

The risk of getting breast cancer increases with age. Older women are at an increased risk of Breast Cancer.

Risk #2: Failure to Get Screened

Failure to detect growths early can increase the likelihood of developing full blown breast cancer. Go in for a mammogram and or do a self exam. The earlier that you notice something isn’t right; the better.

Risk #3: Dense Breast Tissue

Women with dense breast tissue have less fatty tissue and more glandular tissues which have a higher risk of breast cancer. And unfortunately the women with denser breast tissue are the ones that are harder for doctors to spot problems on mammograms.

Risk #4: Time of Motherhood

Having children after the age of 30 increases the likelihood as well. Women in this group have a slightly higher risk for getting breast cancer. Women that have their children at an earlier age seem to reduce the risk. Pregnancy reduces a woman's total number of lifetime menstrual cycles, which may be a reason for this effect. Studies have also found that women using oral contraceptives like birth control pills might have a slightly greater risk of breast cancer than women who have never used them.

If you are at high risk of breast cancer, please tell your doctor, and consider supplemental policies like cancer insurance to help financially. Regular check-ups are essential but so is having the means to treat cancer. Many people that are diagnosed are not only fighting for their lives but also stressing over the medical, house and the every day bills. You’d be amazed how fast it can add up…over 65% of the cost of cancer is not covered by health insurance. With both early detection and a financial back up plan, together back an excellent strategy for longevity.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO RAISE AWARENESS…

Breast Cancer Awareness month occurs during the month of October. It is a time to raise awareness about Breast Cancer, raise money for breast cancer research and support others who are facing this disease. During the month of October, women from all walks of life step out to help.

There are a lot of different ways to get help raise awareness about Breast Cancer.

• · Purchase breast cancer awareness products
• · Wear pins, t-shirts, and hats to show your support
• · Give an old wig to a salon for a breast cancer survivor
• · Participate in locks of love
• · Shop online with stores that donate proceeds to breast cancer
• · Volunteer to help with these events

It is crucial that you don’t take a chance if something doesn’t feel right. See your doctor if you think you feel a lump or something is abnormal. Your doctor will be able to give you that peace of mind you need.

In the month of October, there are a lot of different events going on in California. Men, women, children and professionals all participate in this event to raise money for breast cancer research. This is a great opportunity for you to join in. Get in touch with your community and see what the events are that are planned for October.

For everyone that has a woman in their life, a mother, sister, aunt or other loved one, please tell them to make sure they get screened and do the self checks to help catch it early. Doing the self exam is something that women can do while taking they shower or right after. It just takes a couple of minutes and would be worth it to take a few minutes to check yourself rather then not and then finding out later on that you could of caught it earlier.

Take the time out of your busy life to get a mammogram done. It is better to be safe and catch it early rather then not doing what you can to detect things early. Get your mammograms done once a year or more if needed, just ask your doctor.

Local Breast Cancer Awareness Month Events:

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer - Los Angeles, CA

Saturday September 12, 2009 - Sunday September 13, 2009

http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=losa_home_2k8

Zero Breast Cancer Dipsea Hike/Run Lite

Saturday September 26, 2009

Mill Valley, California

http://www.breastcancerwatch.org/events.html

Peak Hike 2009

Sunday September 27, 2009

Mill Valley, California

http://www.breastcancerwatch.org/events.html

Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk San Francisco Bay Area

Friday October 02, 2009 - Sunday October 04, 2009

San Francisco, California

There are also lots of clinics and hospitals holding free mammograms for people that don’t have insurance. For California here are just a few:

Palm Springs Area: Call 760-325-4701 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 760-325-4701 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 760-325-4701 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Ventura County: Centers of Family Health. Call 805-658-5800 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 805-658-5800 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 805-658-5800 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Los Angeles Country: Every Woman Counts. Call 1-800-511-2300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-511-2300 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-511-2300 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Fresno: Cancer Center. Call 559-447-4050 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 559-447-4050 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 559-447-4050 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Check out our cancer resource page for more postings of free cancer screenings.

In Conclusion

Whether your risk is high or not, the fact is you need to be aware of them. You cannot stop being a woman and you shouldn’t be shy about motherhood. But if your personal risk factor for breast cancer is high, you should be proactive in testing, screening, and examining your breasts. Early detection is your best chance of surviving.

Don’t wait until it is too late! Our affordable Cancer Insurance Policy can help you stay on top of your regular screenings, giving you a huge incentive to get it done…what you ask? Money! This unique plan pays women up to three wellness tests like an annual mammogram, pap and skin, chest, bone, colonoscopy, etc. Can you imagine, getting a check in the mail just for taking care of yourself!

Medical expenses for cancer illnesses can be extremely expensive along with medications, time off of work and many other things that add up. In the event of ever being diagnosed with any cancer, Allstate’s cancer plan will pay you, not your doctor so you can manage these unexpected costs. There’s also a rider you can add, for very little cost, that gives you coverage for any accident or illness, not just cancer. Learn how you can have affordable coverage that can save the lives of your loved ones and yourself. Contact us to find out more: (866) 614-3400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 614-3400 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 614-3400 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 614-3400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 614-3400 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 614-3400 end_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 614-3400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 614-3400 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 614-3400 end_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting.