By: Kathy Hubbard
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has changed their recommendations about when a woman should start having mammograms. They now say that all women should get screened every other year starting at age 40 and continue until they’re 75.
The American Cancer Society’s website, however, still says that women could choose to have mammograms between the ages of 40 and 44 but should have them every year from ages 45 to 54. Then, at age 55 they could switch to mammograms every two years if they preferred and continue as long as they’re in good health.
What should you do? Talk to your primary care provider, because if you have a family history of breast cancer, it’s a totally different situation. You may need to start your screenings at a much younger age.
But, if you know that you’re due for a mammogram, stop what you’re doing right now and call 208-265-3349 to schedule your appointment to have your screening done during this year’s Sip and Screen at Bonner General Health on Saturday, October 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This is a party. Encourage your friends and family to join you for their scans. Daniel Holland, BGH Director of Diagnostic Imaging says that there will be champagne and mimosas besides coffee, tea and water. For you early birds, Bluebird Bakery is going to provide breakfast pastries while the Local Yokel will be offering lunch appetizers if you come later in the day.
Both local eateries are donating a twenty dollar gift card which will be given away as well. And the best part is that you will get your mammogram while also having a bit of fun. This event is perfect for those of you who’ve never had a mammogram before.
If this will be your first time, let me tell you that it really isn’t as bad as all the jokes about it. I understand if you’re a bit reluctant, I certainly was. And I’ll tell you a quick story.
My stepson is an x-ray tech. When he was going through his training, he was somewhat offended that he was excluded from learning how to perform mammograms. At the time, I hadn’t had one. Then I did. The idea of a male tech doing the test is outrageous and I told him so.
The reason the tech will always be a female is because she must touch your breast to align it properly in the machine. If you’re particularly modest it’s a little awkward, but you’ll get over it. Two images will be taken of each breast. It can be uncomfortable, and some women say it hurts. But the imaging takes but a few seconds and it’s over.
Personally, I’ve never found it painful. Particularly because I always made sure I scheduled my mammograms for a week after my period. If it does hurt, tell the tech. Remember, screening to find cancer early is the goal here.
Be sure not to wear deodorant, antiperspirant, perfume, powder or lotions on your breast and underarm on the day of the exam. These products can show up on the mammogram and give you a wrong reading. If you forget, tell the tech and she’ll provide you with wipes.
I shouldn’t have to tell you why you’re doing this, but I will. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that “the breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. The ducts are tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue) surrounds and holds everything together.
“Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.”
BGH’s high-quality mammography equipment can detect breast cancer before lumps can be felt or symptoms appear. Early detection of breast cancer not only helps provide a woman with more choices for treatment, but it also increases her chances of having the best possible outcome.
So, what are you waiting for? Call 208-265-3349 right now for your spot at the Sip and Screen on October 5.
Kathy Hubbard is a member of the Bonner General Health Foundation Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com. This article was written for publication in the Bonner County Daily Bee on September 25, 2024.
