SALT LAKE CITY — Jeanine Locke never forgets that without her mammogram, she might not be here today.
In 2016, at the age of 39, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her mother was diagnosed in 2000. My aunt and grandmother were also diagnosed with the disease at different times. Because of her strong family history and genetic link to breast cancer, her doctor suggested she start getting mammograms in her late 20s.
At age 39, she felt a lump and her doctor ordered a diagnostic mammogram. If a lump is found, this test will check to see if you have breast cancer. Her treatment was successful because the cancer was detected relatively early. All this was possible thanks to mammography.
“A lot of people always tell me they haven’t had their first mammogram,” she says. “They know I’m going to say, ‘You should get a mammogram.’ And they say, ‘You need to do that.’ You are right, you should. But there are many people who don’t understand that. ”
Various health departments and cancer centers in the state agree. Utah leads the nation in the percentage of women over 40 who develop cancer, according to a state health department report backed by data from the National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institutes of Health. It is ranked 44th. Those who had a mammogram in the past two years: 63.8%.
This has been the case in Utah for over 30 years.
Mammography is essential in the fight against breast cancer. These provide early detection of disease and give medical professionals the opportunity to prescribe potentially curative treatments. Cancer is also aggressive, so the longer a person goes untreated, the more serious the problem becomes and can often lead to death.
“We have to spread awareness and we need to address this issue as soon as possible, because one in eight women Because I was diagnosed with breast cancer…” It is important to spread awareness that one in three women cannot undergo a mammogram. ”
When I asked local women and medical professionals, they said they’ve heard others explain why they don’t get mammograms. The belief that there will be enough time to deal with it later. I’m afraid it will hurt. There is no place to get a mammogram in rural parts of the state. They forgot, and no more.
Salt Lake Valley medical leaders say they are committed to improving Utah’s mammography screening numbers. Huntsman Cancer Institute and Intermountain Health have mobile testing units that travel to rural areas of the state. They also occasionally visit large employers in the valley to offer women the opportunity to receive mammograms while on the job.
Medical experts say it doesn’t matter what changes are made, only to convince women that mammograms are essential to their health. The number of breast cancer cases in younger age groups, including those under 40, is increasing, further increasing the need for screening. Experts say these tests aren’t scary, but they’re certainly not as scary as finding breast cancer when it’s too late.
“Some women come with their mothers, sisters, friends. Mammograms are available to everyone,” said Dr. Jonathan Shakespeare, medical director of Intermountain Health’s Breast Imaging Center. “I sympathize with your desire to get a mammogram. I also sympathize with being busy…I think some people forget because life is busy. But don’t forget, the sooner you get it, the better. .”
What you need to know about mammography
A mammogram is an x-ray image of the breast designed to detect cancer and other changes in breast tissue. Schedule your exam for a time when your breasts are less likely to be tender. Mammograms play an important role in breast cancer screening. Breast cancer can be detected before any signs or symptoms appear. Mammography has been proven to reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. Radiologists look for evidence of cancer or other conditions that may require further testing, follow-up, or treatment. The results are compiled into a report and provided to your healthcare provider. Ask your healthcare provider about when and how your results will be shared. If you are under 40 and already have your annual mammogram, you may need a referral from your doctor before you can schedule your mammogram. You have abnormal breast symptoms or have had breast cancer in the past. If you have questions about scheduling your mammogram, please talk to your doctor.
Source: Mayo Clinic
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