MonticelloLive

The American Cancer Society Urges Women To Schedule Theirs

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And the American Cancer Society hopes women turn that Awareness into Action and schedule their annual screening mammogram. In fact, October 17 is National Mammography Day.

In observance, Drew Memorial is running an October Special for $60 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

For more information they can call 870-367-2411 and ask for Radiology.

Unfortunately, since 2000 mammography rates have declined significantly in the United States, according to a recent study. The study from the National Cancer Institute confirms that screening mammography rates to detect breast cancer fell by as much as four percent nationwide between 2000 and 2005. This is the first study to show that the trend is nationwide among women for whom the test is intended to reduce mortality risk.

“Regular mammography is one of the best breast cancer screening tests available to women today,” said Jodie Spears, Director of Communications and Marketing for the American Cancer Society in Arkansas. “We hope women don’t forget about the power of mammography and early detection once Breast Cancer Awareness Month is over. We need to be aware of our bodies and our breasts all year long.”

After years of increasing incidence, the rate of new breast cancer diagnoses has recently declined. How much of that drop is due to changes in mammography use has been the subject of debate. Prior reports show that between 1987 and 2000, screening rates among women over 40 years old increased from just 39 percent to 70 percent. However, evidence from some states and localities suggest that mammography rates have declined, putting at risk the decline in mortality rates previously observed.

The study found that between 1987 and 2000, there was a steady increase in the use of mammography for women over 40 years old, while rates were relatively flat from 2000 to 2003. However, in 2005 screening fell by four percent compared to rates observed in 2000. This decline was significant for women over age 50. Some of the sharpest declines were seen among women who previously reported high screening rates: women between 50 and 64 years old; and women in higher socioeconomic levels.
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SIDEBARS
Successful Screenings
Five Things To Remember For Your Next Mammogram
1. On the day of the exam, don’t wear deodorant or antiperspirant; some of these contain substances that can interfere with the reading of the mammogram.
2. Wear a skirt or pants, so you’ll only need to remove your blouse for the exam.
3. Avoid scheduling a mammogram the week before your period, when your breasts are tender or swollen.
4. Always describe any breast symptoms or problems as well as any pertinent medical history to the technologist who is doing the mammogram.
5. If you do not hear from your doctor within 10 days, do not assume that your mammogram was normal — call your doctor or the facility.
If you are a woman and age 40 or over, you should get a mammogram every year. You can schedule the next one while you’re there at the facility and/or request a reminder.
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Mammogram 101
 You are required to undress above the waist. A wrap should be provided for you.
 A technologist, usually a woman, will position your breasts for the mammogram. You and the technologist are the only ones present during the procedure.
 It takes about 20 minutes. The actual breast compression only lasts a few seconds.
 You may feel discomfort when your breasts are compressed. Try not to schedule a mammogram when your breasts may be tender, such as before or during your period.
 All mammogram facilities are now required to send your results to you within 30 days. Generally, you’ll be contacted within 5 working days if there is a problem.
 Only 2 to 4 mammograms of every 1,000 lead to a diagnosis of cancer. About 10% of women who have a mammogram will require more tests, and the majority only need an additional mammogram. Don’t panic if this happens to you. Only 8% to 10% of those women will need a biopsy, and most (80%) of those biopsies will not be cancer.

Contact: Jodie Spears  501.603.5210