Homepage
-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Maintaining breast health while aging
By Kathy Hart, RN, BSN
You may have heard that by the time a woman a reaches 90, her chance of developing breast cancer is about 12%. This means an average of about one out of every 8 women will get breast cancer during a 90-year life span. That may sound scary but you can also look at it another way: A 12% risk means there’s an 88% chance you won’t develop breast cancer. (Heart disease, not breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women. Lung cancer, not breast cancer is the leading cancer cause of death in women.) Just being a woman puts you at risk of getting breast cancer and this risk increases as we age. The good news is that finding breast cancer early can save your life.
All women are at risk for breast cancer, even those who have no family history. Close to 80% of those diagnosed have no family history of the disease.
The greatest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and aging.
Survival rates are high for women diagnosed before the cancer has spread. Through early detection, and improved treatment, more women are beating breast cancer.
How do I lower my risk of developing breast cancer?
By eating a well balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and minimizing estrogen intake.
What can I do to increase the chances of early detection?
Get a yearly mammogram starting at age 40.
Have an annual breast exam by your health care provider.
Practice monthly breast self-exam to learn what your normal breast tissue feels like and to notice any changes early.
Where can I get a mammogram? *
The Women’s Imaging Center at Berkshire Medical Center offers mammography appointments from 7AM to 7:30PM Monday through Friday.
Call 447-2451 to schedule an appointment yourself.
Will a mammogram hurt?
At Women’s Imaging, a special mammography cushion is used for all women to provide added comfort during the test.
Will my insurance cover a mammogram?
Medicare and most private insurance cover yearly mammography.
Common reason women give for not getting a yearly mammogram.
I have no symptoms
The good news is that mammography finds a cancer long before symptoms appear. The cure rate is almost 100% when found early.
I don’t have time.
You need to take the time to care for yourself so that you can help the others you care for.
No one in my family has had breast cancer
Close to 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.
I’m too embarrassed.
The technologists who perform the exam are all women. Your privacy and dignity are maintained.
I’ve heard that it hurts.
You may feel some pressure but any discomfort is lessened with the new mammography cushions now available.
I hear that mammograms are dangerous.
The dose of radiation is less than an airplane trip across the Atlantic.
I am too old to worry. I’ve lived this long without it.
Three-fourths of all breast cancers occur in women over age 50. Aging increases your risk and early detection saves lives.
If I have it, I don’t want to know.
When a breast cancer is detected early, treatment is less extensive with the best chance for a full recovery.
Kathy Hart, R.N. B.S.N. is Patient Care Coordinator at The Women’s Imaging Center at Berkshire Medical Center.
Reference: American Cancer Society
* Editorial note: There are several other locations throughout Berkshire County that offer mammography, including North Adams Regional Hospital and Fairview Hospital. For more information, talk with your health care provider.
.