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Just do it: Get a mammogram
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I have now had three close friends who’ve had breast cancer in their 40s. None of them had a family history of breast cancer. All of them were healthy. Two of them do yoga regularly and eat primarily organic food.
They never thought they’d get breast cancer.
You probably don’t think that you’ll get breast cancer either. (And don’t get cocky just because you’re a man - approximately 2000 cases of male breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S.)
When breast cancer is caught early it is a curable disease, but late stage breast cancer is a much tougher beast. To find it you have to look. To look you need an imaging study, generally a mammogram.
Here are some mammogram facts:
• The newer digital mammograms provide clearer pictures than their older cousins which may make it easier to find a hidden cancer. Ask when you schedule your appointment if your center does digital mammograms
• A screening mammogram is what you get when you have no symptoms, while a diagnostic mammogram is done to evaluate a complaint such as a breast lump or nipple discharge
• Many experts recommend that all women have an annual mammogram starting at age 40. Women at higher risk of breast cancer may need a more rigorous screening plan
• You shouldn’t wear deodorant, lotion or powder under your arm or on your breast the day of your mammogram
I know you don’t like getting mammograms. I don’t like it either. But if you are a women over forty and you haven’t had a mammogram in the last 12 months you need to call right now to schedule one. This is more important than losing 10 pounds and more important than de-cluttering your house.
If your mammogram is overdue, ask yourself why you are putting off this simple, potentially life-saving test. If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for your husband or your friends. If you can’t do it for your husband or your friends, do it for your children.
Without your health, does any of the rest of it matter?
Go schedule your mammogram.
Dr. C.
www.insightmedicalconsultants.com
photo courtesy of www.aip.org
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