Have You Scheduled Your Annual Mammogram?

Relax. There is no need to fear. Many women are uncomfortable walking into an unfamiliar environment and baring all. Come on, this is your life we are talking about. Mammograms simply produce an image of your breast. That image could possibly save your life through the early detection of breast cancer.

Some women tell me that they are afraid of the being "squished" or " mashed " during the mammogram procedure. Ladies, let's pull up our big girl panties and have an honest discussion. Especially African American women. Five minutes of pressure can save your life. Let's save ourselves for ourselves, our children, and all of those who love us. The unknown is difficult, but we as women are overcomers in this life.

Let us not teach our daughters to fear the possibility of an abnormal mammogram. Especially, if that abnormality is confirmed as breast cancer. The lack of knowledge is our worst enemy. What you don't know as a woman actually can kill you. However, death rates from breast cancer in the United States have been declining since 1990. It is believed that early detection and advances in breast cancer treatment are the causes of this trend.

Don't be afraid to have your annual mammogram.

You can expect 1 in 8 women living in the United States to develop breast cancer during their lifetime. That's 13%, or 13 women out of 100. African-American women are more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Why? Tumors in African-American women are more aggressive. How important is your mortality and that of your daughters? Your other women family members and friends?

Do you know the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram? A screening mammogram is performed for women having an annual mammogram who have no symptoms of a breast abnormality. Screening mammograms are critically important. A diagnostic mammogram is performed when a breast symptom and/or abnormality is identified. This is the time that further evaluation is necessary to determine the true nature of the breast abnormality.

Also, breast ultrasound may be considered. No-x-ray is involved. Sonography can differentiate between a masses which may be found in your breast. Benign or malignant tumors are solid. Cysts are filled with liquid. Ultrasound, in conjunction with annual mammograms, identify 30% more early stage breast cancers. Especially for women at high risk.

You will have one of two types of mammogram: film or digital. It is significant to know what type of mammogram you will have. During a film mammogram, an image is created directly on a film. Radiation is emitted by x-ray. This type of mammogram is more sensitive for women who have dense breasts. In digital mammography, images are sent electronically and stored directly to computer. One study recentlt showed that digital mammography was significantly better than film mammography in screening women who were under age 50 or women of any age who had very dense breasts.

Compared to conventional film mammography, digital mammography delivers a lower level of radiation. Recent studies indicate 22 percent lower. This significantly reduces your level of risk by radiation exposure.

I recommend that you call your local radiation center and/or breast health center to ask which types of mammograms are provided. Talk to your doctor. Make sure your annual mammogram is scheduled.Then keep that appointment! This is your life. Let's all live.

MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging ), is highly effective for women at high risk of breast cancer. MRI uses a magnetic field and pulses of radioactive energy. This safe diagnostic testing produces pictures of organs and structures within the body. Specific MRI's require injection of contrast material.

Breast MRI distinguishes between benign ( non-cancerous ) and malignant ( cancerous ) areas. MRI may pose a problem for some women who cannot tolerate the injection or become claustrophobic during the procedure.