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Breast Health & Prevention
Who is at greatest risk?*
- Women make up 99% of all breast cancer patients.
- More than 80% of breast cancer occurs in women diagnosed with no family history of the disease.
- Higher risk candidates include those who have never had children, who had their first child after age 30, or have mothers and sisters who have experienced breast cancer.
- Older women need mammograms as 75% of all breast cancers occur in women over 50.
*Courtesy American Cancer Society
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram, or a low dose x-ray, takes a picture of the breast’s internal structure. It can help detect lumps years before they can be felt and is the best tool we have to detect breast abnormalities.
When should I schedule one?
The American Cancer Society recommends that all women do a monthly breast self-exam beginning at age 20.
The following guidelines assume that you’re experiencing no breast discomfort and have no family history of breast cancer.
If between the ages of 20 and 39:
- Schedule a clinical breast exam every three years unless otherwise advised by your doctor
- If age 35 to 39, schedule a baseline mammogram
If 40 years or older:
- Call for an annual clinical breast exam.
- Ask your physician for a mammography referral to St. Mary’s then call 920-496-4789 to schedule your mammogram (one to two weeks after menstruation)
Why schedule a mammogram?
A mammogram can detect breast cancer much earlier than you can feel a lump. Early detection gives you a better chance of saving your life and your breast… and you’ll suffer less in terms of surgery, pain, and tissue removal.
If you do detect a lump, dimpling, or skin puckering, or you notice anything unusual, call your doctor. Most lumps are not cancerous. Give yourself the peace of mind and have it checked out.
One in eight women will battle breast cancer sometime in her life. (Courtesy American Cancer Society)
Why Schedule at St. Mary’s?
St. Mary’s Hospital has always put women first. Today, St. Mary’s offers a unique program— A Woman’s Place Health Resource and Education Center.
As we continue to reach out to the women, we’ve a new resource for you, a breast health educator. The educator, a registered health nurse with breast-health training, is available to all women who schedule a mammogram at St. Mary’s.
During your mammography appointment, she will provide you with breast-health information, teach you proper breast-self exam techniques, and answer the questions you always wanted to ask.
If you need more help, she can guide you through the maze of breast-health issues and community resources. To speak with St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center’s breast health educator personally, please call 920-496-4789.
How will I pay for my mammogram?
Most insurances cover mammogram services, but call your provider for details.
Medicare covers mammograms according to age and risk.
Based on eligibility requirements, you may qualify for free mammography services at St. Mary’s Hospital as part of the Wisconsin Well Women’s Program. Call Prevea Clinic at 920-405-1445 to learn more.