A Mother’s Day message that could save lives

This Mother’s Day, talk to the most important woman in your life about breast cancer. That talk will be an important gift, because mammograms are one of the best ways to detect breast cancer early - and that is the best way to save lives.

Who should get a mammogram?

Every woman over the age of 50 should have an annual mammogram, and some women might need to start at age 40 or even earlier. Mammograms are especially important for older women. Medicare, Medicaid and most private health plans cover all or part of the cost of a mammogram. Other programs, such as the Arkansas Department of Health’s BreastCare, can help women with little or no insurance coverage for mammograms.

Getting a mammogram

A mammogram is a special X-ray or digital picture of the breast. The results of this picture make it possible to detect breast cancer that cannot be felt through either breast self-examination or a breast exam by a doctor. It only takes a few seconds; the woman will stand in front of a large X-ray machine, and place her breast between two plastic plates. The two plates will press her breast to flatten it. It may be uncomfortable for just a few seconds, but it is necessary to get a clear picture of the breast. Usually two or more pictures will be taken of each breast, and it is over very quickly.