Mammograms: What You Should Know

You should know what a mammogram is.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast on special equipment that can find a breast cancer even when it is too small to be felt. The breast is gently squeezed between two plates to get a good picture. This takes only a few seconds and should not cause pain.

Though a mammogram is not a perfect detection tool, it is the best way to find breast cancer in its earliest stages. The earlier breast cancer is found, the more likely it can be treated successfully. When done by trained professionals on certified equipment, a mammogram is safe.

A screening mammogram will usually find breast cancer before it can be felt. But if you have a lump or notice a change in your breast, you should see your health care provider right away. A diagnostic mammogram may be ordered to find out more.

You should know when to have a mammogram.
Women 50 years of age and older should have a mammogram every year, since most breast cancer is found in this age group. Many national organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO) suggest that, beginning at age 40, women have a mammogram every year or two until age 50 and yearly after that. Avon agrees with this recommendation for women between the ages of 40 and 50.

It's also important to have regular breast exams, so talk to your healthcare professional about scheduling an exam each year. And you should perform Breast Self-Examination (BSE) every month. If you don't know how to do BSE, you can be taught by your doctor or another trained health care professional. Check for classes on BSE offered through organizations in your community like the American Cancer Society and the YWCA of the U.S.A.

You should know where to get the best mammogram.
The way to be sure that your mammogram is of high quality is to have it in an accredited facility certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As of October 1994, all facilities performing mammography must be accredited and certified. To find out the name of an accredited and certified facility near you, call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.

You should be able to have regular mammograms regardless of your income.
The average cost of a mammogram is about $100. Most insurance plans cover the cost of screening mammograms, and many facilities offer low-cost or free examinations. Medicare and Medicaid cover the cost of some screening mammograms, as do many programs supported by Avon's Breast Cancer Awareness Crusade, like the YWCA's ENCOREplus Program. Also, many state departments of health offer low-cost or free mammography services. If cost is a problem for you, be sure to ask your healthcare professional where you can have a low-cost mammogram.

You should know your results, and follow up.
Be sure to get the results of your mammogram from your healthcare professional and make sure you follow any recommendations they give you. Ask questions about anything you don't understand.

You should take care of yourself.
The good news is that the results of most mammograms will be normal. By having regular mammograms and yearly checkups, and doing monthly BSE, you are taking good care of yourself. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S., but there are safe, effective ways to find it early and treat it successfully - especially when you and your healthcare professional work together.

Be sure to talk to the women you love about their breast health, too. They may not know as much as you do about taking care of themselves. Spreading the word about breast care is an important part of Avon's Breast Cancer Awareness Crusade.

For more information on breast health, breast cancer, and quality mammography, contact the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER; the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345; the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO) at 1-800-719-9154; the Y-ME Hotline at 1-800-221-2141. These calls are confidential.