Many women avoid scheduling a breast cancer screening because they aren't sure what the screening entails or they are afraid that it may be painful. The truth is that mammograms are relatively quick, usually taking just a few minutes to complete. Some women report mild discomfort during a mammogram, but the procedure is not at all invasive and there is no preparation for it.
Early detection often makes all the difference: If you have breast cancer, your chances of surviving improve if the tumor is discovered early. You also have more treatment options if your breast cancer is detected before it grows too large or begins to spread. Women whose cancer is detected early have a 93 percent survival rate in the first five years.
Mammograms find cancer before it's felt: A tumor that is causing symptoms or that can be felt is larger than those that can only be detected by a mammogram. This means that mammograms are critical for early detection. If you only discover a tumor once its been felt in a self-exam or a physician exam, you may limit the types of treatment options you have and your cancer may have already spread.
What's it like to get a mammogram? While every breast cancer screening may have some variations because of the specific practices of that medical group, they are generally a uniform process.
When you arrive, you will be asked to step into a changing room and undress from the waist up. The screening center will give you a hospital gown or a robe to wear. You'll likely be provided with a locker for your belongings or a bag where you can place your clothing. You'll then step into the technician's room where the mammogram machine is. You'll be guided to the right placement to take images of your breast from both horizontal and vertical angles.
Does it hurt? There is some pressure from the mammogram, but it should not be painful or cause any lasting discomfort. Even if you are a bit uncomfortable, you'll appreciate knowing that the screening takes very little time. Some women say that they don't experience any discomfort at all.
When will the results arrive? This depends on the practices of your own physician, but you should receive results relatively quickly. You might ask your doctor to give you their specific test results policy so you'll know when you can expect to hear the results of your mammogram.
Breast cancer screening can be intimidating, especially if it's your first screening or if you have a history of breast cancer in your family.
The YWCA of St. Joseph's ENCOREplus program provides free breast cancer prevention information and resources to women. We also help women locate financial resources for mammograms and can even provide transportation on the day of the screening. To learn more about ENCOREplus, visit our YWCA of St. Joseph website.
Among women, no cancer is more commonly faced than breast cancer. It is the number one cancer diagnosis received by women and the second deadliest form of cancer for women. For 34 years (since 1982) the Susan G. Komen foundation has been working to increase breast cancer awareness, help women receive early intervention and find a cure. For the past 22 years, Kansas City has hosted a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event. This year, the event will take place on Sunday, August 14.
Nearly a quarter of a million American women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. A staggering 40,000 wives, mothers and daughters will die from the disease. Breast cancer strikes women of all ages, ethnicities and socio-economic status. And yet progress has been made.
When the Susan G. Komen foundation was begun, women who discovered their breast cancer in its early stages faced a 74 percent chance of survival. Today a woman's chances of overcoming early stage breast cancer are close to 99 percent. This is why we are committed to raising breast cancer awareness and getting the message out that early detection is so important.
Early detection and intervention holds the key to survival rates. That means women need to understand the urgency about self-exams, mammography and treatment. If cost is an obstacle, there are resources available to open the doors to early detection. With Susan G. Komen, 74 percent of all the money raised through events like Race for the Cure stays right in the community to help women get the medical attention they need. And 100 percent of the proceeds go directly toward breast cancer awareness, treatment and research.
The 2016 Race for the Cure event will be held in Kansas City. The walk will start at Kansas City's famed Union Station. However, you don't need to live in Kansas City to take part in this important event. St. Joseph is building its own team to send to Kansas City on Race Day. The St. Joseph Pink Warriors team will travel together via Heartland Trailways Bus to take part.
The St. Joseph YWCA works hard to boost breast cancer awareness here in town and is a proud partner in the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure. If you would like to participate you can sign up at http://komenkansascity.org/.
You don't have to take part in the race itself. You can also help by supporting the Pink Warrior team. This is your chance to fight back against a horrible disease. Walk on race day. Be part of the St. Joseph team. Be a sponsor. Contact the YWCA to find out other ways you can be part of ensuring that all women have access to screenings and treatment. With your help, we can win.