Every check matters: Why a mammogram every two years could save your life
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Let’s be real, life gets busy. Between work, family and everything in between, it’s easy to put your health on the back burner.
But here’s the thing: an appointment every two years could literally save your life.
We’re talking about mammograms – that quick and easy appointment that can detect breast cancer before you can even feel it.
This Women’s Health Week (Monday 1 until Friday 5 September) BreastScreen ACT is reminding everyone to get their mammogram. Mammograms are free and recommended every two years – and there’s really never been a better time to book in.
The Power of a Simple Check
BreastScreen ACT is encouraging women aged 50 to 74 years old to attend a free mammogram. If you are 40 to 49 years old or over 75 years, it’s best to check with your GP first to see if screening is right for you.
BreastScreen ACT screens women with no breast symptoms. If you notice an unusual change, it’s recommended to see your doctor as soon as possible.
With breast cancer one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers for women in Australia, it’s important that we take control and prioritise our health.
“It’s really important that we continue to encourage women to book in for their free screening mammogram every two years,” Jodie Kirkness, Quality and Promotions Manager at BreastScreen ACT.
“Having a mammogram is the best way to detect cancer early and improve health outcomes for our local community.”
Since the breast screen program began over 30 years ago, deaths from breast cancer have been reduced dramatically.
It’s not a coincidence – that’s screening doing its job.
What happens at a mammogram?
A lot of people might feel nervous when booking a mammogram, but it’s quick, it’s free, and it will be over before you know it.
But what can you expect?
After checking in, BreatScreen ACT will confirm your personal details and ask you some questions. A female radiographer will then explain the process and answer any questions you may have.
When attending your appointment, it’s best to wear a two-piece outfit, as you’ll need to undress from the waist up, just prior to having your mammogram.
During the screening, each breast will have compression applied. Then, two X-ray images of each breast will be taken.
Everyone experiences compression differently during a mammogram. The goal is to apply enough pressure to spread out the breast tissue, which helps us capture a clear and accurate image. Importantly, the more they compress, the less radiation is needed – making the procedure safer for you. They always aim to balance comfort with image quality and safety.
Why Every Two Years?
The best way to detect breast cancer is through screening.
Regular mammograms help detect cancers when they are small – sometimes as little as a grain of rice. The earlier a cancer is detected, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Even if you screen every two years, it’s important to be breast aware in between mammograms. It’s also important to be breast aware, even if you don’t fit the age criteria.
Know your normal
Being breast aware means getting to know how your breasts look and feel at different times.
Many changes are normal and could happen because of hormonal changes or getting older.
Getting older is the biggest risk factor for breast cancer – although none of us can stop aging (as much as we might like to!)
It’s important to get to know your normal. What might be normal for you could be very different for someone else.
Changes to look for include:
- A new lump, lumpiness or thickening of your breast or armpit area.
- Any changes to your nipple, including discharge, inversion (looking like it is going into your body), flakiness or itchiness.
- Any changes to the size, shape or colour of your nipple or breast.
- Any changes of the breast skin, such as dimpling, tethering (pulling), redness or rashes.
If you notice any unusual breast changes, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible.
A Timely Reminder
Women’s Health Week is a timely reminder that we all need to prioritise our health. Every Check Matters reminds us that we can all do little things to help our health.
If you’re due (or overdue), for your mammogram, consider this a sign. Book your mammogram today.
Encourage your mum, sister, best friend or colleague to do the same.
Because every check matters and this one could be life-changing.
Visit the BreastScreen ACT website to find out if you’re eligible or call 13 20 50 to book today.
