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Mammograms Are No Joke - They Can Save Lives!
There are so many jokes about mammograms! Have you heard the one about the fridge door ?or the bookends ?or the garage floor? Thanks to all the jokes, "Mammogram" has become a household word, and it's not that I don't have a sense of humor, but as a mammography technologist, I've heard the jokes many times. I think the jokes are embarrassing for women and demeaning with regard to their physical bodies. Many women say, "If men had to do this, there would be a better solution" - this may or may not be true. Most people agree that mammograms are not perfect, but until there is a better solution, I think it's time to look at mammograms in a different light. In May of 1985 and 1986 I asked my doctor to order a mammogram for me and he refused both times saying I was too young. There were no screening mammography centers to which I could refer myself, so that was that. In December of 1986 at the age of 42 I felt a lump in my breast and had a mammogram the same day. It turned out to be Stage II breast cancer with 4 positive lymph nodes. I had a lumpectomy, a mastectomy and chemotherapy but chose not to have radiation. I obviously wasn't too young to have cancer. In May 1985 a mammogram cost less than $60.00 and would have resulted in my having minor surgery to deal with a small lump. Delaying the diagnosis until December 1986 raised the cost of the medical care I received both in dollars and the amount of human suffering we faced. I say "we" because a diagnosis of cancer affects the family, friends and community of the person with the disease. A timely mammogram would have saved us all a lot of grief. The common perception is that having a mammogram is a negative experience; I think this is a bad rap. Mammograms are quick and easy breast X-Rays; which usually means two views of each breast - one from the top and one from the side. They are performed by friendly, knowledgeable technologists who do their best to help women feel at ease. The technologists' goal is to get the best films possible and also to make the experience as quick and painless as possible. When people go for a mammogram the most important thing to know is that relaxation of the upper body is the key to a positive experience. I know it's hard to relax when you're apprehensive, but this is why I believe we need to lessen the public apprehension of this test. It is easy to relax by taking some deep breaths before you have the test. By relaxing your muscles you will be much more comfortable through the test than if you are tense. An added bonus is that the films will be of higher quality, as it is easier to image the back of the breast close to the chest wall if the pectoralis muscles are relaxed. When it's done, you may hear yourself saying, "That wasn't bad at all!" Some women are embarrassed to have a mammogram because they don't want anyone other than their partner to see and touch their breasts. The mammogram jokes add to their fear of pain and embarrassment making it harder for them to manage, and I know of some women who avoid having a mammogram for this reason. The test is done in privacy; no one but a female technologist will be present. Technologists, for the most part, are sensitive people who will do the test as quickly and professionally as they can. Many women who have resisted the test for a long time are amazed at how simple and painless it can be. Mammograms include compression of the breast with a plastic plate to produce a high quality image with the least amount of radiation. Breast compression is meant to be tight, but it should not be painful and it only lasts for a few seconds. If you think about looking at a bunch of grapes - it's hard to see them all from one spot. If you spread the grapes out, you can see more grapes. Similarly with the use of compression, more breast tissue is visible when the breast is spread out. With a flatter, thinner layer of tissue the amount of radiation required is less than if the breast is not compressed. The amount of radiation you get is as low as can be achieved if adequate compression is used, and also if good quality control is maintained at the mammogram facility. In the U.S.A. the cost of a mammogram runs between $50 and $150.00. There is financial help available from insurance companies, state and local programs, and from some employers. Please do not let the cost deter you from having a mammogram as the cost of not having a mammogram can be much higher both financially and emotionally. Check for information on the internet. In most places in Canada, women can book their own appointment for a free screening mammogram; a doctor's referral is not required. In places without a screening program, mammography is available with a doctor's referral and is covered by health insurance. Approximately 7% of women will be asked to have further testing. Most of the time, follow up testing involves an additional mammogram with a different view to separate the breast tissue in a particular area to get a better image. In my analogy of the bunch of grapes, it's like having a few grapes on top of each other and separating them out in a different way in order to see them better. There is controversy about the age bracket for women to have a mammogram. On a mammogram film, normal breast tissue in young women usually appears to be dense; normal breast tissue in older women usually turns to fat and appears less dense. Reading mammograms on young women is like looking through a tree which is full of leaves in summer. Reading mammograms on older women can be compared to looking through a tree in winter. You can see why reading mammograms on young women is more complex than reading films on older women and this is the main reason why screening mammography is more effective as women mature. The fear of being diagnosed with breast cancer will often prevent a woman from having a mammogram. My personal experience is that it is much better to be diagnosed earlier rather than when the cancer has had chance to spread. The amount of fear, pain, embarrassment, and emotional anguish from having a mammogram does not even come close to that of being diagnosed with an advanced cancer. A mammogram takes about 10 minutes; an early cancer can be dealt with in a reasonable amount of time, while an advanced cancer is much more of a time commitment. The amount of fear that comes with a cancer diagnosis is astronomical compared to that of a screening mammogram. It is often recommended that women have a screening mammogram every two years, but many people believe it is better to have mammograms on an annual basis. It is probably best if women can consult their doctors and make the decision on an individual basis. A number of factors affect the decision such as age, family history, general health, and previous breast problems. Between appointments, whether you choose to have a mammogram every year or every two years, it is important to be aware of any breast problems. If you notice anything unusual it is wise to contact your doctor. This applies even if your mammogram was negative because there are a certain percentage of cancers that do not show on a mammogram. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation promotes a three-prong approach to breast health: ? annual clinical breast exam by a doctor or trained health professional Breast self-exam can be a controversial issue. Many people do not recommend monthly self-exams, yet many women have found their own breast cancers this way. The important thing to remember is if you choose to do self exam, to do it right: ? learn the proper method from a doctor or trained health professional Following these steps will give you confidence and put you in charge of your breast health. Some health professionals are concerned that women will be unnecessarily alarmed if they find a problem with their breasts. I believe that an educated approach to breast care will reduce the fear that many women live with, and they can consult their doctors in a more rational manner. Most breast lumps are benign, but early detection of breast cancer is worth the extra cost of investigating lumps and other unusual findings. Mammography is a peculiar test in some ways. However, it is the gold standard at present and until there is a better method of screening which is also cost effective it makes good sense to have regular mammograms. Finding cancer in the early stages before it has a chance to spread makes the treatment much easier and the cure rate much higher. Having a mammogram is not meant to be funny, or even fun; but a few minutes of discomfort rewards us with knowing we are taking action to help protect our breast health. Lynn was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 1986 and colon and skin cancer in 1987. She has been involved in the cancer community since then as a peer counselor, support group facilitator, fundraiser and retreat organizer. She works as a mammography technologist in Guelph Ontario. Lynn is also a life coach for cancer patients to help them shorten the learning curve and navigate their journey with cancer. Please see: http://www.cancersupportcoach.com
MORE RESOURCES: Breastfeeding for at least six months might lower the risk of developing so-called "triple negative" breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease that is more common in black and younger women, according to a study published on Monday in the journal Cancer, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports (Paulson, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 8/24). A new promising enzyme target for a specific type of breast cancer, Brk, has been identified in research published on August 21, 2008 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS.) In a specific subset of breast cancer patients, the tumor cells produce high levels of the protein ErbB2 (also called HER2) which pushes the cells to proliferate without limit, a characteristic common of all cancers. The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), the nation's oldest and largest, independent association for physicians-in-training, announces the commencement of AMSA Academy, a training ground for physician leaders. Established by students, for students, AMSA Academy takes medical students through the core competencies of leadership and project implementation, while building on key principles of important topics in medicine. There are currently 22 programs offered. Happiness and optimism may play a role against breast cancer while adverse life events can increase the risk of developing the disease, according to a study by Professor Ronit Peled, at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. An article on the study titled "Breast Cancer, Psychological Distress and Life Events among Young Women," was just published in the British journal BMC Cancer (8:245, August 2008). Feelings of happiness and optimism play a positive role against breast cancer. Research published in the open access journal BMC Cancer suggests that while staying positive has a protective role, adverse life events such as the loss of a parent or close relative, divorce or the loss of a spouse can increase a woman's risk of developing the disease. New research may explain why breast cancer tends to be more aggressive in women with denser breast tissue. Breast cancer cells grown in dense, rigid surroundings step up their invasive activities, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center investigators report in the Sept. 9 issue of Current Biology. The findings suggest a cellular mechanism for the correlation between human breast tissue density and tumor aggressiveness. Two independent research groups have found that simultaneous inhibition of two signaling pathways resulted in substantially enhanced antitumor effects in mouse models of prostate and breast cancer. In an accompany commentary, Steven Grant, at Virginia Commonwealth University Health Science Center, Richmond, discusses the clinical importance of these studies and highlights some of the questions that still need to be answered. A new study published on bmj.com argues that for older women, health related quality of life can be improved by hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The authors recommend that HRT guidelines should be revised with this most current evidence taken into consideration. Earlier studies have shown that HRT has the potential for general improvements in quality of life measures - how patients feel or function. Duke University chemists have patented an efficient technique for synthesizing a marine algae extract in sufficient quantities to now test its ability to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells while leaving normal cells unaffected. The researchers also deduced that this molecule -- called largazole -- acts on cells through the same chemical mechanism as other anti-cancer compounds on the market or in clinical trials. Seeking to improve on nature, scientists used a spice-based compound as a starting point and developed synthetic molecules that, in lab settings, are able to kill cancer cells and stop the cells from spreading. The researchers are combining organic chemistry, computer-aided design and molecular biology techniques in developing and testing pharmaceutical compounds that can fight breast and prostate cancer cells. ImClone Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ: IMCL), a global leader in the development and commercialization of novel antibodies to treat cancer, today announced that the first patient has been treated in a global Phase 3 clinical trial of IMC-1121B, its anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) IgG1 monoclonal antibody, in women with metastatic breast cancer. Advocates, including those for breast cancer patients, are concerned about their relationship with pharmaceutical company Genentech following Roche's bid for the company, the A decade-long Nebraska study that showed disparities in breast and cervical cancer screenings could have spurred changes that raised the percentage of women screened in the state. "Disparities in screening between racial and ethnic groups, even in a homogeneous state such as Nebraska, are a problem and by digging into some of the differences we were able to have an impact on breast and cervical cancer screening," said lead study author Shingairai Feresu, Ph.D. Women who survive breast cancer for at least five years after treatment have an 89% chance that they will not have a recurrence of the cancer after 10 years and an 81% chance after 15 years, according to a study published online Tuesday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Research by scientists at the University of Sheffield suggests that the combination of zoledronic acid (a drug used to prevent bone loss) and chemotherapy agent doxorubicin could stop the growth of breast cancer tumours. Dr Alexis Willett, Policy Manager at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, says: "Breakthrough welcomes any research which investigates new uses for existing treatments to help benefit people with breast cancer. An article published in The Lancet Oncology reports that postmenopausal women with breast cancer who are on endocrine treatment are likely to experience arthralgia and arthritis (joint symptoms) if they previously have used hormone replacement therapy (HRT), received a hormone-receptor positive tumor diagnosis, undergone chemotherapy, received treatment with anastrozole versus tamoxifen, or been obese. Scientists in the UK and Finland have discovered that a new combination of the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin and the bone-protecting drug zoledronic acid, both of which are considerably cheaper than herceptin, stopped breast cancer tumors growing in mice. Experts suggest that since both drugs are already in use, and if the combination proves effective and safe in human clinical trials, it should not take as long for it to be available as a new treatment for patients. Breast cancer patients and their physicians may make more informed, long-term treatment decisions using risk assessment strategies to help determine probability of recurrence, a research team led by scientists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center reported in the Aug. 12 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Breast cancer patients and their physicians may make more informed, long-term treatment decisions using risk assessment strategies to help determine probability of recurrence, a research team led by scientists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center reported in the Aug. 12 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Famous names from the fashion, television, radio and music industries have come together to back Fashion Targets Breast Cancer® (FTBC) UK in an advertising campaign which subtly plays on the topic of celebrity charity endorsement. Natalie Imbruglia, Anna Friel, Alan Carr, Edith Bowman and Twiggy have been shot by acclaimed photographer Rankin wearing their FTBC T-shirts with pride for the campaign from leading charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer which aims to raise £1m. US researchers estimated that the risk of relapse for breast cancer patients who were cancer-free for five years after systemic therapy (chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or both, as well as surgery) was not negligible although it was probably lower than many people realized. Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPHM) announced that patient screening and dosing has begun in a Phase II trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bavituximab in combination with chemotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer. American Airlines, the world's largest airline, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world's largest breast cancer organization, announced an expanded partnership with the unveiling of two specially co-branded aircraft, an American Airlines Boeing 757 and an American Eagle Embraer 145, each incorporating the renowned vivid pink-ribbon motif. Geron Corporation (Nasdaq: GERN) announced the enrollment of the first patient in a clinical trial of its telomerase inhibitor drug, GRN163L, in locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. The primary objective of the Phase I/II, dose escalation study is to determine the safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and objective response rate of GRN163L when administered intravenously in combination with a paclitaxel/bevacizumab regimen in this patient population. A new discovery may lead to more effective screening and treatment for patients with a difficult to recognize syndrome characterized by tumor-like growths and a high risk of developing specific cancers. The research, published by Cell Press in the August 7 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics, is the first in over thirteen years to identify an alternate susceptibility gene for Cowden syndrome (CS) and related disorders. |
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Breast Cancer Digest RELATED ARTICLES Emotional Responses to Breast Cancer - Understanding the One You Love Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a life-changing event. A torrent of feelings wash over the survivor. Victorious There it is again. I muttered to myself, frustrated as I washed my arm. Breast Cancer The Cure You have my permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated. Passive Smokers Can Get Breast Cancer! Learn How? US scientists have claimed that secondhand smokers are at higher risk of Breast Cancer. Earlier, their research also led to them to the conclusion that young women smokers are more likely to get addicted to smoking than young men. New Hope to Prevent Breast Cancer: What Every Woman Needs to Know In March, 2005, a major nutritional breakthrough in the fight against breast cancer was announced by U.S. The News You Dont Want To Hear: Youve Got Breast Cancer For many people being told that they have cancer is one of the most stressful times in their lives. Just as we think we have everything under control, something comes along that can shatter even the strongest of wills. Lets Start Screening For Breast Health In the United States, American women are told to begin annual mammographic screening for breast cancer at the age of 40. Long before we've reached this age, we are advised to perform a monthly breast exam and see our doctors for a clinical breast exam (CBE) annually as well. Your Risk of Cancer Can Increase With Weight Gain! We hear it all the time?lose weight for your health. Few people however, realize the extent to which this is critical to their physical well-being and ultimately their life expectancy. 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Naural Self-Defense Against Breast Cancer - Learning to Cope Successfully with Organochlorine Pollut What are organochlorines?Organochlorines are chemicals found in some herbicides and pesticides, in chlorine bleach and most chemical disinfectants, and many plastics, especially PVC (polyvinylchloride).Organochlorines are implicated in causing and promoting breast cancer because they mutate genes and they cause breast cells to become more receptive to a cancer-promoting chemical called estradiol. Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Tips October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Men and women can take preventative steps for avoiding breast cancer and staying healthy. Early Detection And Breast Cancer It is generally accepted that by the time a cancer is found by mammography or palpated during a clinical breast exam, the cancer has been growing for 8-10 years. What if we could have been alerted to the problem as it was developing, rather than wait till it is large enough to be seen by the naked eye? Would that be of interest to you?There exists a technology that can detect an issue YEARS before a tumor can be seen on X-ray or palpated during an exam. New Advances In Early Breast Cancer Detection In November 2003, the American Cancer Society stated that breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 44. In the United States, there are approximately 200,000 new cases of breast cancer and more than 40,000 deaths; making the U. The Insidiousness of Breast Cancer and Its Current Treatment In our modern world, the benefits that today's manufacturing and agricultural activities have brought us is more than painfully offset by the damage to our personal health and wellness. During the course of our daily lives, we are continually exposed to common household products such as detergents, insulation, fabric treatments, flame retardants, cosmetics, paints, upholstery preservatives, and coatings for electronic equipment. Gift Giving for Breast Cancer Patients and Their Families Did you know that each year, 182,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 die? One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year. Breast Cancer Detection Unit for the Home Detecting Breast Cancer early is a key step in protecting yourself from the dire consequences and risk of breast cancer. There is now some new technology using Infrared to help you do self-examinations in the privacy of your own home. Breast Cancer In December of 2001, breast cancer was the furthest thing from my mind. I was busy. Breast Cancer - 101 The cancer is a term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably invading near by tissue and spreading to other parts of the body via blood stream or lymphatic system.Similarly, in breast cancer, a single cell begins to divide and grow abnormally. Can You Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer? We hear it all the time?lose weight for your health. Few people however, realize the extent to which this is critical to their physical well-being and ultimately their life expectancy.
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