You Really Do Need That Mammogram

Maybe you’ve skipped your mammogram once or twice. There are good reasons not to. Regular mammograms have reduced breast cancer deaths by 40% since screening began in the mid-1980s, according to the American College of Radiology.

Mammograms arm you against breast cancer
A mammogram is a safe, low-dose X-ray of the breast tissue. If you have a tumor, it will likely show up as a bright dense blotch on the X-ray. You can get your regular mammogram screening at no extra cost as part of your Florida Blue Medicare plan when you use a network provider.

Even if you’re doing a monthly self-exam or your doctor does regular clinical breast exams, you should still get your mammogram. That’s because a mammogram can find tumors before you can feel them.

When do I need a mammogram?
Women typically get their first mammogram when they are between the ages of 40 and 50, and then every 1-2 years after that. And just because you’re older, doesn’t mean you wouldn’t benefit from the screening. Guidelines from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommend mammograms continue through the age of 74. Remember, your doctor can help you decide when and how often to schedule your mammograms, based on your health history.

What happens if your mammogram shows something abnormal?
First of all, don’t panic! It doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Out of every 100 women who get screening mammograms, 10 will be called back for additional tests to rule out cancer. In most cases, follow-up tests show there are no signs of cancer. Or, they may show a benign (non-cancerous) condition exists.

Getting your regularly scheduled mammogram could save your life, and technology advances are making mammograms more effective than ever. Someone you love is counting on you to stay healthy. Make sure you get your next mammogram on time.

Florida Blue and Florida Blue Medicare are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

352-401-5611
Dell Richards