Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
What You Should Know www.carefirst.com about Mammograms A lot of women are afraid of mammograms, but having one is definitely worthwhile. If the test is When should I have a mammogram? ■ Women between 40 and 49 years of age should ask their doctor if they need a mammogram. ■ Women who are 50 to 69 years old should have a mammogram every one to two years Call your doctor to make an appointment for a mammogram if you fall under any of these categories that pose a higher risk of breast cancer: ■ Your mother or sister has/had breast cancer. ■ You have Jewish ancestors from Eastern Europe (a certain gene is carried among this group). ■ You had your first menstrual period before age 12. normal, you will feel better knowing you are okay. If there is a problem, it is better to know early. Regular mammograms can detect breast cancer before it spreads. Treatment works best when the cancer is found early. ■ Your periods stopped after age 50. ■ You never had children, or you had your first child after age 30. ■ You have had radiation treatments to your chest area. ■ You have a lump, nipple discharge, breast pain or dimpling of skin on the breast. How can I get ready for my mammogram? So put your fears aside and get a mammogram. It could save your life. ■ Make the appointment for one week after your period, when the breasts are less sensitive. ■ Wear a shirt with shorts, pants, or a skirt. This makes it easier to undress from the waist up. ■ Do not wear deodorant, perfume, lotion or powder under arms or on breasts on the day of the appointment. These products make shadows on the mammogram. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® Registered trademark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®’ Registered trademark of CareFirst of Maryland, Inc. On-Line version of BRC6296-9S (8/02) Are there any risks? Resources The Mammography Quality Standard Act (MQSA) is a Federal law designed to ensure that mammograms are safe and reliable. The FDA makes certain that facilities across the country meet MQSA standards. Visit our Web site at www.carefirst.com Click on My Care First, our health and wellness page. The level of radiation is low, so there is little risk from a mammogram. If you are pregnant and need to have an abnormality checked, the technologist will give you a lead apron to shield your abdominal area. Can I do anything else protect myself against breast cancer? The American Cancer Society recommends that all women ages 20 and older perform monthly breast self-exams. In addition, your health care provider should feel your breasts for lumps every one to two years, beginning at age 40. This is called a clinical breast exam. Breast self-exams and clinical breast exams are important ways to check for breast cancer, but should not replace mammograms. Mammograms can detect tiny lumps too small to see or feel. American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345 www.cancer.org The National Cancer Institute 800-4-CANCER www.nci.nih.gov