Self-care includes preventive care. Time for your screening mammogram?

Kara nelsestuen, rt (r)(m)(bd)(mr)

If you’re due for a screening mammogram, or if you’ve been putting it off and you’re way overdue, here is your friendly reminder to schedule your appointment – please don’t put it off.

We typically recommend screening mammograms beginning at age 40 unless your personal or family medical history indicates that earlier screening may be better. After age 40, your primary care provider will help you determine when and how often to be screened.

In the Imaging/Radiology Department at Winona Health, we care for people who have had many mammograms and for people who are coming in for their first mammogram and may be nervous, both about how it might feel and about what the screening might find. Everyone is unique, but what we’ve found is that almost every first-timer feels like they worried for nothing and they are glad to get this checked off their to do list and off their mind.

My fellow caregivers on the Mammography team and I want you to know: We’ve been there, and we’ve got you! We’ve come up with a list of things we think it’s important for you to know.

1. Eighty-five percent of people who get breast cancer have NO family history of breast cancer.
2. One in 8 females will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Which means that 7 in 8 won’t!
3. Although rare, males can develop breast cancer and they should be aware of any changes.
4. Ninety percent of mammograms lead to nothing but peace of mind.
5. The most advanced technology for mammography screening is 3D mammography, which we offer at Winona Health.
6. Although breast cancer is the most common cancer among females worldwide, early detection and better treatment options have greatly decreased breast cancer deaths.

In addition to getting your screening mammogram recommended by your primary care provider, we also recommend you do a self-exam of your breasts monthly. Here are things you should check for:

• Hard, fixed lump
• Skin sores
• Skin dimpling
• Red or hot area
• Nipple crust
• Growing vein
• Inverted nipple
• New shape or size
• New fluid/discharge
• Orange peel appearance

Screening mammograms are considered preventive care and are typically covered by insurance. However, if you have trouble affording your mammogram, contact the SAGE Program (or ask us about it when you call).

Whether we’ll be seeing you for your first mammogram, or you’ve lost count, we’ll make it quick and easy for you. Chances are you’ll walk out with peace of mind and a smile on your face.

If you’re due, or overdue, for this important screening, we hope to hear from you soon!

Pictured: Winona Health’s caregivers on the mammography team (L-R): Kara Nelsestuen, RT (R)(M)(MR)(BD); Morgan Goodenough, RT (R)(M)(BD); Julie Pizarro, RT (R)(M)(BD); and Ali Stowell, RT (R)(M).

To schedule a screening mammogram at Winona Health, call 507.457.4320 (select option 1).