Make a pact with your BFF — never skip a mammogram

This story is brought to you by Portneuf Medical Center — experts in cancer, imaging and surgery. Find out more here.

Have you been putting off your mammogram appointment? You are not alone. Idaho ranks 50th nationally for breast cancer screening. While it may seem like one more chore that’s easy to ignore, the Portneuf Cancer Center team offers the following six reasons to consider scheduling one sooner than later.

1. It can save your life. According to BreastCancer.org, “finding breast cancer early reduces your risk of dying from the disease by 25-30% or more.” Find it early when there are more treatment options.
2. Self-exams can’t detect early cancer. While you should always conduct regular breast self-exams, a mammogram is still necessary. It can detect cancer up to three years before a lump in the breast can be detected manually.
3. All people with breasts are at risk of breast cancer, including men. BreastCancer.org reports that about 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lives, and that about 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history. At this time, routine screening is not done for males, however. If you have a family history, find a lump or have a concern, talk to your PCP.
4. Your risk increases with age. Age is the strongest risk factor. Most women develop breast cancer after 50. As you age, it becomes increasingly more important to have a mammogram each year.
5. Regular mammograms help your doctor monitor your breasts. Changes in breast tissue can alert radiologists to early signs of breast cancer. By keeping your yearly appointments, you’re helping your doctors detect changes in your breasts.
6. It’s a simple procedure. While a mammogram may cause brief discomfort, it’s a very quick procedure. Most women will be in and out of the office in less than an hour and can still make lunch with their BFF. This is a small investment when it comes to saving your life.

Once you have a date on your calendar for a mammogram, quick tips and reminders include:

• Don’t use deodorant before your mammogram. Avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes under your arms or on your breasts. Metallic particles in powders and deodorants could be visible on your mammogram and affect the clarity of the image.
• Be sure to tell your technician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In general, women will not be able to receive a mammogram at this time, but your physician can order an alternate screening method, if necessary.
• Timing if tender: For many women, breasts are most likely to be tender the week before and the week during your period. Typically, this is not the most comfortable time for a mammogram.
• Prior images: If you are having a mammogram at a new facility, ask your previous imaging facility to provide a CD that includes previous images. Bring the CD to your appointment so your radiologist can compare your past and present mammograms.
• Dress for success: You will be given a gown and asked to remove neck jewelry and clothing from the waist up. To make this easier, wear a two-piece outfit that day.
• Know your history: Be prepared to tell your technician the date of your last menstrual cycle, if you have had previous breast biopsies or surgery or if you are experiencing any problems.
• Choose a certified facility: Choose a facility that is not only certified, but one that performs thousands of mammograms each year. Ask if your scan will be read by a board-certified radiologist.

On average, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. Your BFF wants to remind women 40 or better to take two minutes to schedule an annual screening online. Visit portneuf.org or call our team today at (208) 239-1500.