Breast Cancer Awareness & Early Detection Saves Lives

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Community Medical Center is reminding the Missoula community that early detection saves lives. One in eight women is expected to develop breast cancer in her lifetime, but the disease is very treatable when it is found early.

Despite the proven benefits of screening, many women put off their mammograms. The biggest barriers are time constraints, misconceptions about personal risk, fear of results and fear of pain. Community’s Cancer Care & Prevention team is working to address each one.

Making Screening Easy and Affordable

Getting a mammogram is simpler than ever:

• No referral needed for women age 40 and older
• Walk-in and same-day appointments at most locations
• About 15 minutes for a screening mammogram
• Covered by most insurance companies at no cost

Understanding Your Risk

Some women believe a mammogram is unnecessary if they feel fine, have no family history of breast cancer or had a normal result in the past. But many factors affect breast cancer risk, and in its early stages the disease may not cause any symptoms at all.

If you’re called back for additional imaging, don’t panic. A callback does not mean you have cancer, and most suspicious findings are not cancer. Callbacks are common after a first mammogram because the doctor has no previous images for comparison. Often the finding is simply dense tissue or a blurry image.

Addressing Fear of Pain

New mammography machines offer curved paddles that make the exam much more comfortable, and screenings are completed quickly. Today’s equipment is designed to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

What You Need to Know About This Life-Saving Screening

What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast that can spot abnormalities that may be signs of cancer. In later stages, breast cancer might feel like a small, hard lump, but in early stages it may feel like nothing at all. Regular screening makes it more likely that cancer is found early, when treatment is most effective.

When should I get a mammogram?
Most women should get their first mammogram at age 40. After that, women should schedule a mammogram every year, depending on age, genetic history and other risk factors. Ask your primary care provider which schedule is right for you.

What happens during my mammogram?
You’ll undress from the waist up and change into a gown. On the day of your exam, skip deodorant, lotion and perfume on your upper body, as these may interfere with the images.

A female technologist will position your breasts one at a time between two plastic imaging plates. The plates gently squeeze and flatten the tissue while X-ray pictures are taken from multiple angles. This takes 20 to 30 seconds per breast. You may feel some discomfort, but staying in position allows for clearer images using less radiation.

Afterward, a radiologist reviews the images and sends a report to your doctor. If something looks unusual, your doctor may request a second mammogram or a breast ultrasound.

Make Time for Your Mammogram

“Breast cancer awareness and early detection save lives,” said Deanna Waller, breast health nurse navigator at Community Cancer Care & Prevention. “We want every woman to know that screening is quick, comfortable and covered by most insurance plans. Scheduling a mammogram is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health.”

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month by scheduling your mammogram this October. It’s an important step in managing your breast health for years to come.