Breast Cancer Awareness

A few weeks before my 40th birthday, my insurance began to send me reminders: Schedule your Mammogram.

If you are 40 or older………. call to make your appointment. Without hesitation, I called and scheduled to go in on my birthday.

When I was in high school, I developed a lump in my breast and had my first mammogram.

I can remember feeling anxious and nervous, and afraid of the possibility. Although I was young and breast cancer does not typically affect younger women, it was not out of the question as cancer knows no age.

The lump was biopsied and turned out to be benign (non-cancerous). Unsure of why it had formed, I had it removed, if for nothing else, peace of mind. I am very thankful it was nothing more serious.

Needless to say, I take my breast health seriously performing regular self-exams.

I have had a mammogram each year as recommended. Breast cancer is not a disease that has directly affected my immediate family, but I have seen enough women and families that I love and admire, suffer and grieve through this ruthless disease.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, nearly 300,000 women and 3,000 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year alone. 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed in her lifetime.

Black women are disproportionately affected by and 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than any other race or ethnic group. Although screenings cannot prevent the disease, when detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast used for early detection of breast cancer in those who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Your breast is compressed between two firm surfaces to spread out the breast tissue and the x-ray taken.

This process has evolved since I was in high school. Back then, there were two cold uncomfortable plates you sat your breast between, and they were pressed and screened. These days, the breast is still pressed and screened but the machines adjusted for height and tilted for arm and neck comfort. It should be noted that breast size, technician’s skills, and how much the breast needs to be pressed all play a part in comfort level.

In the scheme of things, a mammogram does not take long so any discomfort should be short lived.

Some people may not be comfortable nude in front of others, some may have anxiety of being in a doctor’s office, the thought of the possible pain, the time, the affordability, all of which are reasons for avoiding mammograms.

 If there is no insurance or the screening is not covered by insurance, there are programs available that offer free mammogram screenings.

This year’s mammogram, I took a cue from my grandmother: I put on something cute, earrings (although they had to be removed during the x-ray), and some lipstick. I wore separates so I would only have to disrobe from the waist up. I had my exam at the Breast Center at Methodist Dallas, the check-in process was easy, the staff was friendly. The technician performing the x-ray was professional, gentle and communicated each step of the approximately 10 minute process.

Afterward, I took myself out for lunch to a nearby restaurant I had wanted to try. And, since I was cute and in the area, I made it an afternoon. I received my results after a couple weeks and will continue to do my due diligence until next year’s screening.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a perfect time to prioritize your own health and schedule your screening today. I urge you to take the time as early detection saves lives.

What are your thoughts on early detection? What are your tips for an easy mammogram experience?

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