Have You Had Your Yearly Mammogram?

8 years ago I went to see my Doctor for a routine check-up and mammogram. I was healthy, busy and didn’t give a second thought that like every other year the Doctor would say I was in excellent health. She didn’t. She told me to see a surgeon. She said my mammogram was read and it appeared to be textbook breast cancer. In a minute my life changed.

Digital mammography is fantastically fast. Before you get dressed the radiologist reads your mammogram and either sends you on your way, asks for another view, or recommends you see your physician.

Mammograms have come a long way from the big squish times. Yes the squish is still there but it is such a short amount of time you hardly feel it. When you are asked to hold your breath the procedure is so fast that you aren’t even gulping for air!

Many women are reluctant to have a mammogram because they are afraid of the results. The other excuse women give for not having a yearly mammogram is lack of insurance or the cost. As far as the cost goes, many states have assistance for mammograms and the Komen foundation; http://www.komen.org/ can also assist for some uninsured low income women. As far as the fear factor, when breast cancer is diagnosed early the survival rate is 98%. If you have insurance it really is a no brainer. How busy can you be in the grand scheme of life?

Life can change in a minute from an injury, accident or sudden death. We all take precautions when we buy car insurance, health insurance, or home insurance. We are being safe when we use our seat belt, or use our turn signals while driving. Why would we not take the same safety measures with our health and get a yearly mammogram? http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mammography.html