About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
In Utah the rate is 111 women per 100,000, this number is concerning as many women are not aware of problems early due to fewer mammograms in Utah. The percent of women 40 years of age and over who had a mammogram within the past 2 years is 66.8%. By getting routine mammograms the incidence of death from breast cancer would greatly decrease.
Mammograms are needed every year past forty years old as breast cancer is a rapidly growing cancer. Early diagnosis is important to keep a cancer from spreading.
Breast self-exams are important to identify a change in texture or finding a lump. The self-exams need to be done at a specific time. Not the week before, during or after your period as there may be more fibrous tissue present at that time.
If you don’t know how to do a breast self-exam, please have your provider teach you how to do this very important self-care procedure. All women need to learn this procedure from puberty on.
Breast cancer is not restricted to women, men may also get breast cancer, a much lower incidence, but still happens. If a man finds something abnormal, it needs to be checked out by his provider and possibly a mammogram.
What happens if you don’t have insurance and are worried about the cost of a mammogram?
The Utah Cancer Control Program (UCCP) provides free to low cost clinical breast exams and mammograms to women who meet age and income guidelines. Eligible women with abnormal screening exams are offered diagnostic evaluation by participating providers.
Best Health Practice:
For every woman over the age of 40 to get a screening mammogram.
All women from puberty on to know how to do a breast self-exam
Let your doctor know immediately if you are concerned about a change in your breast.
Exodus Healthcare is wanting to encourage all women over 40 years old to get their mammogram. Please contact one of our providers at 801-250-9638 to get this very important screening scheduled and done. Exodus Healthcare Network is located at 3665 S. 8400 W., Suite 100 in Magna and 3336 S. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 201 in West Valley City.
