It’s that time of the year.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

An annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.

Early detection is the key

In February of 2010 I was scheduled to have my second mammogram. I had my first one the previous year around my birthday. This way I would remember to go at the same time each year. News had come out with new regulations for when you should get a mammogram and they were saying if you don’t have any family history or any noticeable changes (monthly self examinations are very important too) you could wait until you are 50. Well I thought about it since I had no family history or noticeable changes but decided to keep my appointment. I’m sure glad I did.

Let’s talk about mammograms…. Most women are afraid to get one done. They have heard stories that it’s painful….Well I can tell you from experience it is not….it may be a little uncomfortable but once it’s done that is it.

So back to early 2010….I received a call from the hospital (where I had the mammogram done) she said I needed to come back in so they could take a few more images and do an ultrasound. Well a few weeks latter we met with the doctor and he delivered the news to me that I had breast cancer.

Time to schedule your mammogram

Mammogram Guidelines

Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer.

“We are making progress ….breast cancer death rates have declined 40% from 1989 to 2016 among women. The progress is attributed to improvements in early detection.” American Cancer Society

If you have not already scheduled your mammogram appointment….do so today.

Talk soon,

Sheri