|
October 9, 2009
Latest News
Her name is Jane. She is a mother, daughter, sister, best friend, aunt, and soon to be grandmother. Jane lives an active lifestyle. She and her husband enjoy all of the pleasures southwest Florida has to offer: Sandy beaches, nature trails and warm weather year round.
Today started like any other day. Jane awoke, took an early jog, and returned just in time to see her husband off to work. Once he was out the door, she started to tackle her to-do list for the day. First thing: Her yearly mammogram.
Jane is 45 years old. Even though she had no family history of breast cancer, she had her first mammogram when she turned 40, and has had one every year since. Moreover, she also performs monthly breast self-exams in the comfort of her home. She wasn’t nervous about today. It was just a yearly checkup that, although somewhat uncomfortable, was something that she felt strongly about doing, but not something she worried about.
Jane’s mammogram at the Peace River North Port HealthPark went as smoothly as it has every year. That’s why she was shocked to receive a phone call three days later, stating she needed to return because they’d discovered an area of concern. Jane remained calm; continuing to tell herself it must be a precaution. It is not unusual to return for additional pictures. However, when the results of her second mammogram came back, she was told there was a spot in her left breast. She would need a biopsy.
Jane still tried to remain calm. It wasn’t until she went for her biopsy that she began to worry. It came back positive for cancer. Why? How could it be? No family history. She lived a healthy lifestyle. Didn’t smoke. And most of all, she did everything preventive she was told to do.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It is a common screening tool for breast cancer because it can identify a lump or cluster of specks (micro-calcifications) even before they can be felt. These lumps or specks can be from cancer or other conditions, so sometimes further tests are needed. Other tests may include additional X-rays or a biopsy, where a sample of the tissue is removed and examined by a pathologist. Ultimately, a biopsy is the only way to tell if breast cancer is present.
When and how often should women have their mammogram performed?
Women younger than 40 who have risk factors or a family history of breast cancer should consult their physician about when to begin having mammograms and how often. The National Cancer Institute typically recommends that women in their 40s have a mammogram every one or two years.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer, which develops in the tissues of the breasts, is the most common form of cancer in women, other than from skin cancer. Rarely, men can also develop breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, in the United States alone, an estimated 182,460 women will be told they have breast cancer this year, as well as 1,990 men. From these estimates, 40,480 women and 450 men will die from this illness.
What are some common risk factors for breast cancer?
*Age: As a women grows older, her chances for having breast cancer increases. Breast cancer is uncommon, although not unlikely, in women under the age of 35; the risk is extremely high for women over the age of 60.
*Sex: Breast cancer is about 100 times more common in women than men.
*Family history: If a woman’s mother, sister, daughter, or at least two of her close relatives have had the disease, the chances of her having breast cancer increases.
*Personal history: Women who have a history of breast disease and/or breast cancer can develop breast cancer again.
*Pregnancy or no pregnancy: Women who have their first pregnancy before the age of 25 may lower their risks. Women whose first pregnancy is after the age of 35 may be more susceptible. Women with no children – who experience a continuous menstrual cycle until they reach menopause – are at a higher risk for the disease.
*Lifestyle choices: Not only do a woman’s day-to-day lifestyle choices determine risk factors for life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, etc., they can also contribute to an increase or decrease in her risk for breast cancer. Factors such as diet, physical activity, alcohol and smoking can all play a part.
Does health insurance pay for regularly scheduled mammograms?
Medicare, Medicaid and many private health insurance plans do cover regular screenings. Women should check with their insurance carriers to be sure. The Peace River North Port HealthPark does offer discounted mammograms for women whose insurance does not cover the cost and for women who do not have health insurance.
Peace River North Port HealthPark for your Mammography needs since 1998
The Peace River North Port HealthPark was the first American College of Radiology Accredited Mammography Center to provide mammography services in the North Port community. Our board-certified mammography technologists have many years of mammography imaging experience and are dedicated to providing kind, compassionate care to every patient – the kind of care they would want their own family members to receive. The HealthPark is a comprehensive diagnostic radiology facility providing MRI, CAT scanning, ultrasonography, bone densitometry and radiology in addition to mammography services. The HealthPark is located at 15121 Tamiami Trail, on the corner of U.S. 41 and Sumter Boulevard in North Port.
Lower your risk: Call the Peace River North Port HealthPark at (941) 423-5000 to schedule your annual mammogram.
|