subject: Breast Health Awareness - Find Free Or Low Cost Mammograms [print this page] Even though women know the importance of getting mammograms routinely after the age of 40, many have fallen behind in this crucial tool for their overall breast health. There are numerous groups that sponsor programs to promote breast health awareness, but even with widespread media events, these groups are still not getting the response desired.
There are several reasons why women may postpone getting their mammogram. Some women believe that if they are vigilant about doing breast self-exams, or if they have clinical exams done, they are doing all they should be doing to detect breast lumps and irregularities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), doing breast self-exams, or having clinical exams by your doctor, in lieu of having routine mammograms, has not been found to decrease your risk of dying from breast cancer. Yes, you do know your body best. And, yes, you should do monthly breast self-exams. However, detecting small lumps or irregularities is key to early detection, and physical exams can miss those problems.
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast which can detect lumps and problems before you or even your doctor can feel them. And, since early detection is key to successfully treating breast cancer, a mammogram should be part of your yearly health check-up routine.
Even if you are a fanatic about routine breast self-exams, you also need to schedule a mammogram. A mammogram in addition to breast self-exam is the only way to ensure that you are providing yourself with proper breast health care.
According to the National Cancer Institute, 1 in 8 women born today will develop breast cancer in their life. Even though those statistics are scary, the reality sometimes doesn't hit until that statistic becomes 1 - when that 1 is "me." We know that early detection is the most important tool we have to fight breast cancer, and we know that a mammogram offers the earliest detection available. So, wouldn't I want a yearly mammogram in order to successfully win the battle against breast cancer?
Even though some women agree that mammograms are the best way to increase the chances for early detection and, therefore, a more positive breast health approach, they simply feel they can't afford one. Whether these women lack health insurance or they are under-insured, they just don't see that they have an option.
If you are thinking that you can't afford a mammogram, think again. Start by calling your local hospital or clinic and ask about low cost or free programs during the month of October in observance of National Breast Health Awareness Month. These programs fill up quickly, so call right away and schedule an appointment. The hospital may direction you to a state or local program that could offer an array of health care including your yearly mammogram and annual exam, along with other care you may need if your test results warrant further examination.
The problem of being able to pay for a mammogram is worrisome to be sure. However, you have options and don't need to miss your mammogram this year. Call a hospital in your area and ask. Go online to the CDC - Centers for Disease Control, click on your state and get the information you need. Check out the website for the American Cancer Society for information on programs in your area. The programs that provide free and low cost mammograms are out there - you just need to be proactive and find them. Make this the year that you finally take your breast health seriously and get that mammogram.
