Thursday, February 26, 2009

Have you gone for your mammogram this year?

What is a mammogram?


A mammogram is an x-ray test that produces an image of the inner breast tissue on film. This technique, called mammography, is used to visualize normal and abnormal structures within the breasts. Mammography, therefore, can help in identifying cysts, calcifications, and tumors within the breast. It is currently the most efficient screening method to detect early breast cancer. Breast self-examination (BSE) on a monthly basis and examination by a doctor are still important, but physical examinations typically find breast cancers when they are much larger than those detected by mammography.


Mammography can be used to discover a small cancer in a curable stage; however, it is not foolproof. Depending a woman's age and other factors, approximately ten to fifteen percent of breast cancers are not identified by mammography, and these cancers are often found by physical examination. It is essential for a woman to perform monthly BSE and have a breast examination by her doctor in addition to the mammogram in order to most effectively screen for breast cancer. For more information, please see the Breast Cancer article.

The American Cancer Society recommends that a woman obtain her first baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 to 40. After the age of 40, she should receive a yearly mammogram. Women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer may need to obtain mammograms earlier than these recommendations and at more frequent intervals. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies cover the cost of mammography. ~taken from MedicineNet.com



A more accurate description would be~

A mammogram is a necessary yearly torture treatment for women, where a large Star Trek type machine flattens your ladies until they feel as though they’ll pop.


But really, we ladies need to take care of ourselves. So go get those mammies grammed!

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3 comments:

  1. My friend just did...and they found a mass...She said she had put it off for years...we will find out friday what they think...It is important to take care of yourself...I know the importance now! Meme

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  2. I have to go every year since turning 40 {will be 42 in March}. The one I had last fall led to a second one, which led to two biopsies - Lord it was a little harrowing, but thank God everything was benign. Gotta go back in April for a double-check. Which I certainly will do! :o)

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  3. Better to catch it early than to wait until it's advanced . . . the yearly "torture" is nothing compared to surgery, reconstruction, chemotherapy and possible radiation . . .I know . . .I'm a survivor . . . and it's all about your life! Don't mess with it! GO!!!!!

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