Live it Out! Breast Cancer Awareness & Screening

Do you really want to die from a highly curable disease like breast cancer?

The answer, unfortunately, is “yes” if you are a woman over 45 and not up to date with your annual mammogram. It’s time to get real and get over the many excuses that are used to avoid this yearly screening for a disease that will affect 1 in 8 women during their lifetime.

Excuse 1

“It’s too expensive.”
Actually, your mammogram is free if you are a woman over 40 years of age and have no symptoms of breast cancer. No copays. No deductibles.

Excuse 2

“It’s too painful.”
Not true. Your screening may be a bit uncomfortable, but that discomfort usually lasts only a few seconds.

Excuse 3

“I don’t want to know I have breast cancer and then die.”
The survival rate for breast cancer diagnosed at an early stage is 98%! And having a mammogram is the best way to detect the disease early. The sooner you know the better!

Excuse 4

“I’m safe because breast cancer doesn’t run in my family.”
Consider this: More than 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.

Excuse 5

“My last mammogram was negative so I can skip a year or two.”
Not a good idea. Changes in your breast can happen quickly. And the earlier the detection, the greater is the chance of a successful treatment.

New Mammography Screening Guidelines

The american cancer society recently announced new mammography screening guidelines for women with an average risk for breast cancer.

• Women ages 40 to 44: An annual mammogram is optional.
• Women ages 45 to 54: A mammogram every year.
• Women ages 55 and older: A mammogram every two years or every year if they choose.

Women who have a high risk for breast cancer should have both an MRI and a mammogram. Talk to your personal physician for more information.

Source: American Cancer Society