Disclosure: This post is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you are a long time reader, you know that I don’t often speak of breast cancer. Personally, I feel that breast cancer awareness gets a lot of attention, where as pediatric cancer doesn’t get nearly enough.
While I am comfortable with posting pediatric cancer over breast cancer, it doesn’t change the fact that I am a female who’s extended family has a history of cancer that includes breast cancer in the females. I also cannot hide the fact that reality is; that is one of my biggest fears (medically speaking.)
This week, May 8th through 14th, is National Women’s Health Week, and I am taking this time to share about mammograms.
As a female (sorry males, you can skip this one!) do you know when you should begin getting mammograms?
I will be 100% honest. I don’t.
New research and information has suggested that a female should be being mammograms at age 40, at age 45, at age 50. Which one is it?
– the nation’s largest independent provider of breast cancer screening and diagnostics – agrees along with a host of other notable organizations including the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Radiology and the Society for Breast Imaging – that women should begin getting mammograms at the age of 40.
I am pretty sure that everyone knows or has heard that early detection is vital, but just in case…
1) Mammography is the closest thing we have to a cure.
2) Twenty percent of women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2015 were under the age of 50.
3) The average tumor size when found through an untrained self-exam is the size of a walnut versus when found through mammography, is the size of a pea.
4) When you find a tumor earlier (smaller/pea-sized), your choices are better. You have more options and treatment is likely to be less aggressive and less expensive.
5) Insurance companies still pay 100 percent of a woman’s annual 2D mammogram starting at age 40.
6) 3D mammography provides an excellent upgrade to 2D mammograms, helping radiologists have an even clearer image of breast tissue.
The American Cancer Society just released their 2015-2016 Breast Cancer Facts & Figures report where they estimate in 2015; 231,840 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and of that, 46,350 (20 percent) were diagnosed under the age of 50.
The American Cancer Society also cites in their 2015-2016 Breast Cancer Facts & Figures report, “Mammography is the single most effective method of early detection since it can often identify cancer several years before physical symptoms develop.”
Mammography screening has been documented by the American Cancer Society to have helped reduce deaths from breast cancer by 36 percent since widespread screening was implemented.
According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate is 100 percent for women diagnosed with stage 0 and 1 breast cancer.
Early Detection Matters – Think of food sizes (Source: ‘Feel for Yourself – Breast Lump Display’ ©1987, 2013 HEALTH EDCO®.)
Pea size: Average-size lump found by regular repeat mammograms
Lima Bean size: Average-size lump if found in first mammogram
Grape size: Average-size lump found by women practicing regular self-exams
Brussel Sprout size: Average-size lump found by women practicing occasional self-exams
Walnut size: Average-size lump found by woman untrained in self-exams
Solis Mammography has shared with us an infographic that we are excited to share with you:
has multiple locations across the US including locations in Phoenix (4 centers across Phoenix.) Additionally, this year Solis Mammography is celebrating its 30th Anniversary.
About Solis Mammography:
Solis Mammography is a specialized healthcare provider focused exclusively on providing women an exceptional mammography experience. Headquartered in Addison, Texas, Solis Mammography currently operates 29 centers across four states – Texas, Arizona, Ohio and North Carolina. The company operates both wholly owned centers and multiple successful joint ventures with hospital partners.Solis Mammography provides a complete range of highly specialized breast health services, including screening and diagnostic mammography (2D and 3D), computer-aided detection, breast ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy and ultrasound-guided biopsy.
Solis has multiple locations, so finding a center and scheduling your appointment is easy. Solis provides: Easy-to-make appointments via phone or computer, walk-in appointments are also available. Use the online appointment calendar to quickly book your appointment – choose the time and the day that work best for you.
.For more information, visit
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