One of the top three reasons we’ve heard from women who don’t get mammograms once a year is that they are afraid. Fear can motivate women to seek mammograms or avoid them. The reason for avoiding them seems to be due to a lack of information. Some people are afraid of doctors, exams, and tests. For some, mammograms aren’t a priority because they don’t feel like they are at risk for cancer.
“I don’t have anyone in my family with cancer,” is one common reason. Another reason is, “I’m healthy? I’ll wait to go to the doctor when I’m sick.” And strangely enough, there are women who believe that ignorance is bliss. “What I don’t know won’t hurt me,” might be the clichéd response.
Ignorance may be bliss, and your future may not be fully written, but screening mammography is the only test available that is clinically proven to save lives by detecting breast cancer at early stages. If you’re healthy, it’s the perfect time for mammography so you know what healthy breasts look like on the inside. Unfortunately, being a woman puts you at risk for breast cancer, regardless of any other factor.
This week on the blog, we’ll introduce you to a couple women who’ve had screening mammograms and were glad that they did!
In the meantime, Make your Mammogram Promise if you haven’t already!
2 Comments
One glaring reason that often gets glossed over is that women don’t get mammograms due to lack of affordable healthcare and/or insurance. If you are uninsured and are diagnosed with breast cancer, you will both 1) be financially ruined trying to pay for treatment yourself 2) be unable to buy or be covered by any insurance ever again since you now have a pre-existing condition which no insurance company will cover . This never seems to get discussed on sites like this.
Thanks for your comment, Simone.
For the last two years, SCCA Imaging and Mobile Mammography has been providing NO COST mammograms to women without insurance. This was in partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation through December 2012. However, the response has been so overwhelming that Julie Black, Professional Services Liaison reported we are getting very close to the end and remaining funds are limiting. Therefore, funds available will only be used for follow up on patients who have already received mammograms for now.
DSHS/WBCCHP covers mammograms for women ages 40-64 who have pathology proven diagnosis. Otherwise, SCCA Charity Care will cover the first diagnostic mammogram. There were multiple community sponsored mammogram events during the month of October widely advertised through radio, TV, and clinic flyers offering free mammography. Patients with pre-existing conditions are covered under Washington State Health Insurance Pool, (WSHIP). SCCA Social Work and Patient Navigation Services can direct patients to other charitable breast cancer resources facilitating these services as well.
Here is a link to the Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health program of Washington State: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/chronic/bchp.aspx.
Thanks. Take care.