If a simple annual screening could help someone you love survive cancer, wouldn’t you encourage them to get screened? Yet, almost half of eligible U.S. women don’t get annual mammograms (breast cancer screening), and around 1 in 10 have never had one at all.
It is important to remember that getting a mammogram is one of the most powerful steps you can take for your health. Mammograms saves thousands of lives each year.
The American College of Radiology (ACR) recommends women ages 40 and older, who have average risk for breast cancer, have access to annual mammograms. The most lives are saved from breast cancer if women have yearly mammograms starting at age 40. And because more women younger than age 40 are developing breast cancer, the ACR encourages all women to talk with their doctors about breast cancer risk by age 25 to determine if they should start screening mammograms earlier.
According to a CDC study, the cost of accessing health care was a large barrier to breast cancer screening, and health-related social needs can affect a woman’s likelihood of getting mammograms. For instance, women who have lost a job or who don’t have reliable transportation are less likely to get screened.
Being proactive by getting annual screening mammograms and knowing how your breasts normally look and feel increases your odds of surviving if you are diagnosed. Mammograms help find breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage, which can significantly improve outcomes.
Below are answers to common myths, concerns and reasons women may avoid or delay getting mammograms. Learn more about mammograms or ask your doctor about your particular situation. For added convenience, you can schedule your mammogram online.
Schedule Your Mammogram Online
Addressing Mammogram Myths and Concerns
“I don’t have a family history of breast cancer.”
Eighty percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.
“I’m afraid a mammogram will hurt.”
Mammograms may be uncomfortable, but they don’t take very long. It is necessary to spread the breast tissue as evenly as possible to get a good image. Our compassionate staff understands our patients’ concerns and are sensitive to patient comfort, making adjustments during the screening to offer the best experience possible.
“I don’t have symptoms.”
Mammograms find breast cancer before women develop symptoms. A woman and her doctor may not feel a lump until it is the size of a pea. However, a mammogram can find cancers when they are very small, often years before a lump can be felt.
“I’m afraid the radiation will give me breast cancer.”
Radiation doses from mammograms are very low, less than a traditional dental X-ray. The radiation dose from getting a mammogram is not linked to development of breast cancer.
“I’m afraid they’ll find something.”
About nine out of 10 women get good news after a mammogram – no cancer detected. And while one in 10 women are called back for more images, this is because radiologists look carefully at mammogram images to find early changes in breast tissue. They may want a closer look.
They also compare each year’s mammogram results to the previous year’s results. Sometimes, they don’t have access to previous images because you had your last mammogram at a different health system, or you may be getting your first mammogram. Most of the time, the second imaging session will confirm no cancer detected.
If cancer is found, you can get prompt, appropriate treatment. When it is found early, most women have more options for treatment and are often able to have less therapy than if the cancer is found at a later stage. When breast cancer is found early, most women have a positive outcome.
“I’m too busy to get a mammogram.”
Once you have checked in for your appointment and changed into a gown, the technologist will welcome you and ask a few questions. The mammogram itself only takes about five minutes, so the entire appointment typically lasts about 20 minutes. We know you are busy, so we make getting a mammogram as convenient as possible by offering this important screening at many locations — some with extended or Saturday hours.
“I’m worried about cost, or I can’t afford a mammogram.”
Most insurance companies cover 100% of the cost of screening mammograms. The Wisconsin Well Woman Program pays for mammograms for eligible women. Please call the Maternal and Child Health Hotline, 800-642-7837, for more information on how to access services or visit the Wisconsin Well Woman Program website to find a participating medical facility near you.
