You Have the P.O.W.E.R.!
Self-Care Is Key To Owning Your Health Journey
You Have the P.O.W.E.R.!
Self-Care Is Key To Owning Your Health Journey
Mary's Story
From losing an aunt to breast cancer to worrying before an appointment and being consistently booked and busy, Grammy-award winning recording artist and actress Mary J. Blige has many reasons to skip a mammogram. However, she recently shared why she believes that our mental and spiritual health are important to self-care, but so is making sure that we are physically healthy from the inside out. She recently teamed up with the Black Women’s Health Imperative, Hologic and RAD-AID to share a little about her experience with 3D mammography.
You Have the P.O.W.E.R.!
We are encouraged to hear stories of survival and self-care from brave women like Monica, April and Renee who exercised the P.O.W.E.R. of Sure by having screening mammograms. Check out their stories, and how important screening mammography was for each of them to first learn of their diagnosis and to then create treatment plans, coping mechanisms and lifestyle changes.
Well, I
heard
We’ve got
answers…
FAQ
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast, and doctors use these images to identify signs of breast cancers. More specifically, the radiologist will look for lumps or masses or calcification deposits, and may refer you for additional testing based upon the results.
- Refrain from wearing deodorant, perfume, lotion or powder under your arms or on your breasts on the day of your exam to prevent any of these foreign particles from appearing on your x-ray.
- Disclose any breast symptoms or problems you’ve observed to the person providing the exam.
- Consider scheduling your exam for a time when you are not about to have or having your menstrual cycle. Some women report additional breast tenderness during this time, which could impact your comfort level during the exam.
- Let technologists and staff know if you have breast implants. They may need to take more pictures than a regular mammogram.
- If you’ve had a previous exam at a different facility, try to have those images sent to the new one so that they can observe any changes since your last exam.
After checking-in with your doctor, you will be asked to undress where you will changeinto a gown or robe. The exam is then performed on an x-ray machineby a trained technologist. Two plates are slowly squeezed together to compress each breast for a few seconds. The compression is sometimes described as uncomfortable, but it is quick and needed to produce the best pictures. On average, your entire visit, including checking-in and your exam, may last a total of 30 minutes.
You have the right to a written report of the results and images from your exam, within 30 days. However, You will usually get the results within a few weeks, or maybe sooner if there is any concern.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and remain safe, medical office staff and technologist will likely all be wearing masks as a safety precaution. Many facilities are also requiring patients to wear masks too. Contact the facility prior to your appointment so that you will know what to expect.
As part of the Affordable Care Act, health plans include coverage for annual screening mammograms without copay or deductible for women 40 and older. If you don’t have insurance, there are community programs or screening events that offer free or low cost screenings. More information about these resources is available on the BWHI website.
Myth Busters
All too often, we let what we’ve heard stop us from having breast cancer screenings or other preventative medical exams that can potentially be life-saving. Having a mammogram can mean the difference in catching cancer at a highly treatable stage instead of a more advanced and challenging one. Knowledge is P.O.W.E.R. and learning the truth about mammography puts you in the driver’s seat about your health!
The truth is…..
Eighty-nine percent of women who develop breast cancer have no family history among their immediate relatives (mother, daughter, or sister), and many women with early-stage breast cancer have no symptoms.1
1Source: Institute of Medicine (US) and National Research Council (US) Committee on New Approaches to Early Detection and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer; Joy JE, Penhoet EE, Petitti DB, editors. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2005.
P.O.W.E.R. Point – You don’t need a family history of cancer to need an annual mammogram!
The truth is…. Mammograms use a small dose of radiation, making the risk of harm extremely low.2 In fact, studies show that the small risks associated with screening mammography far outweigh the potential risks of undetected breast cancer.
2Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Trends in Mammography Dose and Image Quality, 1974-2009.
3Source: Berrington de Gonzalez A, Reeves G. Mammographic screening before age 50 years in the UK: comparison of the radiation risks with the mortality benefits. Br J Cancer. 93:590-6, 2005.
P.O.W.E.R. Point – Screening mammography does not cause cancer!
The truth is…..Black women should start screening at least by age 40 because peak breast cancer for them occurs in the mid 40s, compared to peak in the early 50s for white women. The overall rates of breast cancer in Black and white women are similar, but Black women are 20% to 40% more likely to die from breast cancer.
Source: 2. Stapleton SM, Oseni TO, Bababekov YJ, Hung YC, Chang DC. Race/ethnicity and age distribution of breast cancer diagnosis in the United States. JAMA Surg 2018; 153:594-595
P.O.W.E.R. Point – As a Black woman, the risk is just too great to not begin screenings at least by age 40!
Truth Is…..While everyone’s tolerance of pain varies, the compression that occurs during the exam is most often described as providing temporary discomfort and not pain. However, being uncomfortable for a short time is a small trade off for being sure that you are cancer-free or for early detection of cancer, which can improve your odds for successful treatment and recovery. One suggestion often made by doctors is to avoid having a mammogram when your breasts may already be tender, which occurs for some women before or during their menstrual cycle.
P.O.W.E.R. Point – Being uncomfortable for a few moments is absolutely worth knowing that you are taking the best care of yourself now and in the future.
Truth is….. On average, an appointment for a mammogram may take 30 minutes, and that includes the process of checking-in, getting changed and having the exam. After the appointment, there is no rest or recovery needed, so you can go back to work or about the rest of your day.
P.O.W.E.R. Point – In most cases, having a mammogram won’t take all day!
Truth is…..Medical facilities are strictly following recommended safety guidelines for social distancing, sanitizing areas, requirements for masks for doctors, technicians and patients, and decreasing the number of people in the office environment simultaneously. In most cases, you can visit the website of the facility where you have your exams, or give them a call to learn more about their COVID-19 protocols, and to also know what you should expect.
P.O.W.E.R. Point – Just like many other public places, medical facilities have controls in place to attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to keep you safe.
What we’ve heard about mammograms hasn’t always been accurate! The myths have been busted, and it’s time to schedule your 3D mammogram today. Visit this to locate a facility near you.
Prevention – There is no way to fully prevent developing breast cancer. However, healthy lifestyle choices that include a balanced diet, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight do help to decrease your risk.
Own Your Health Journey – Be empowered to make the best choices for your health and well-being by taking an active role in caring for yourself.
Wellness – A lifestyle of wellness allows you to define what is normal for you. Listening to your body and knowing your normal is vital to identifying when something might require your attention.
Early Detection – Early detection saves lives!
Results & Resolutions – No matter the results, screening mammography equips you with the information you need to make the best decisions for you.
What Is Dense Breast Tissue and Why Should We Care About It?
Why 3D Mammography?
Breasts are almost all fatty tissue. Your breasts will be seen as dense if you have a lot of fibrous or glandular tissue and not much fat in the breasts. Black women have higher instances of dense breast tissue which is not-abnormal but it can make it hard to see small tumors in or around the dense tissue. A Genius® 3D mammography™ exam is the only mammogram FDA approved as superior for women with dense breasts4. Another benefit of the Genius™ 3D mammography exam is a lower rate of false positives5, which results in less trips to the doctor for unnecessary follow-up. When scheduling an appointment, inquire about the option of a 3D™ exam, which may be covered by your insurance in some cases. Visit the Genius® 3D™ Mammography facility finder here to locate a facility in your community.
What Is Dense Breast Tissue and Why Should We Care About It?
Breasts are almost all fatty tissue. Your breasts will be seen as dense if you have a lot of fibrous or glandular tissue and not much fat in the breasts. Black women have higher instances of dense breast tissue which is not-abnormal but it can make it hard to see small tumors in or around the dense tissue. A Genius® 3D mammography™ exam is the only mammogram FDA approved as superior for women with dense breasts4. Another benefit of the Genius™ 3D mammography exam is a lower rate of false positives5, which results in less trips to the doctor for unnecessary follow-up. When scheduling an appointment, inquire about the option of a 3D™ exam, which may be covered by your insurance in some cases. Visit the Genius® 3D™ Mammography facility finder here to locate a facility in your community.
you have the
Prevention | Own Your Health Journey | Wellness | Early Detection | Results & Resolutions
Schedule Your Genius 3D™ Mammogram Today!
While overall rates of breast cancer in Black and white women are about the same, Black women are 20% to 40% more likely to die from breast cancer.
8. Early detection of breast cancer is named as the most important factor in determining an effective course of treatment, which is why scheduling mammograms annually is vital. When scheduling, be sure to consider your options. Request a 3D™ mammogram, which provides a more accurate way to screen for breast cancer. The 2D images provided to doctors by a 2D exam to evaluate the breast can be limiting due to overlapping layers of tissue, which can sometimes produce unclear results, false alarms, or worse – cancer being missed9. Studies show that 3D™ exams have greater accuracy than 2D mammography for women across a variety of ages and breast densities10. Each stage of life requires a different level of care, and for Black women ages 40 and above, it is so important to have a mammogram annually. Worry or apprehension about scheduling a mammogram is common, but having what could potentially be life-saving information is more important.
Schedule Your Genius 3D™ Mammogram Today!
While overall rates of breast cancer in Black and white women are about the same, Black women are 20% to 40% more likely to die from breast cancer.
8. Early detection of breast cancer is named as the most important factor in determining an effective course of treatment, which is why scheduling mammograms annually is vital. When scheduling, be sure to consider your options. Request a 3D™ mammogram, which provides a more accurate way to screen for breast cancer. The 2D images provided to doctors by a 2D exam to evaluate the breast can be limiting due to overlapping layers of tissue, which can sometimes produce unclear results, false alarms, or worse – cancer being missed9. Studies show that 3D™ exams have greater accuracy than 2D mammography for women across a variety of ages and breast densities10. Each stage of life requires a different level of care, and for Black women ages 40 and above, it is so important to have a mammogram annually. Worry or apprehension about scheduling a mammogram is common, but having what could potentially be life-saving information is more important.
Resources
As part of the P.O.W.E.R. of Sure, in partnership with RAD-AID, Hologic will fund screening and diagnostic services, and ensure there is a pathway for women to receive treatment. Hologic’s grant to RAD-AID for this initiative will support innovative care, radiology, public education, and nurse navigation at multiregional sites specially selected by RAD-AID as clinical partners to provide critical screening, diagnostic breast imaging, and treatment for women who may otherwise go without. Sites and facilities under development for this program are located in regions including Bronx/Washington Heights of New York, South Side Chicago, Washington D.C., North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Arizona, Seattle/Pacific Northwest, and Colorado. Screening events and resources will be regularly updated on our website.
Resources
As part of the P.O.W.E.R. of Sure, in partnership with RAD-AID, Hologic will fund screening and diagnostic services, and ensure there is a pathway for women to receive treatment. Hologic’s grant to RAD-AID for this initiative will support innovative care, radiology, public education, and nurse navigation at multiregional sites specially selected by RAD-AID as clinical partners to provide critical screening, diagnostic breast imaging, and treatment for women who may otherwise go without. Sites and facilities under development for this program are located in regions including Bronx/Washington Heights of New York, South Side Chicago, Washington D.C., North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Arizona, Seattle/Pacific Northwest, and Colorado. Screening events and resources will be regularly updated on our website.
Past Events
Contact
In partnership with
View Sources and References:
SOURCES:
*Compared to 2D mammography alone.
1. FDA submissions P080003, P080003/S001, P080003/S004, P080003/S005
2. Friedewald SM, Rafferty EA, Rose SL, et al. Breast cancer screening using tomosynthesis in combination with digital mammography. JAMA. 2014 Jun 25;311(24):2499-507.
3. Zuckerman SP, Conant EF, Keller BM, et al. Implementation of Synthesized Two-dimensional Mammography in a Population-based Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Screening Program. Radiology. 2016 Dec;281(3):730-736.
4. Skaane P, Bandos A, Eben EB, et al. Two-view digital breast tomosynthesis screening with synthetically reconstructed projection images: comparison with digital breast tomosynthesis with full-field digital mammographic images. Radiology. 2014 Jun;271(3):655-63.
5. Bernardi D, Macaskill P, Pellegrini M, et. al. Breast cancer screening with tomosynthesis (3D mammography) with acquired or synthetic 2D mammography compared with 2D mammography alone (STORM-2): a population-based prospective study. Lancet Oncol. 2016 Aug;17(8):1105-13.
6. McDonald ES, Oustimov A, Weinstein SP, et al. Effectiveness of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Compared With Digital Mammography: Outcomes Analysis From 3 Years of Breast Cancer Screening. JAMA Oncol. 2016 Jun 1;2(6):737-43.
7. Rafferty EA, Durand MA, Conant EF, et al. Breast Cancer Screening Using Tomosynthesis and Digital Mammography in Dense and Nondense Breasts. JAMA. 2016 Apr 26;315(16):1784-6.
The Genius™3D Mammography™ exam (a.k.a.Genius™ exam) is acquired on the Hologic® 3D Mammography™ system and consists of a 2D and 3D™ image set, where the 2D image can be either an acquired 2D image or a 2D image generated from the 3D™ image set. The Genius™ exam is only available on the Hologic® 3D Mammography™ system
WEBSITE REFERENCES:
*Compared to 2D mammography alone.
FDA submissions P080003, P080003/S001, P080003/S004, P080003/S005
Friedewald SM, Rafferty EA, Rose SL, et al. Breast cancer screening using tomosynthesis in combination with digital mammography. JAMA. 2014 Jun 25;311(24):2499-507.
Zuckerman SP, Conant EF, Keller BM, et al. Implementation of Synthesized Two-dimensional Mammography in a Population-based Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Screening Program. Radiology. 2016 Dec;281(3):730-736.
Skaane P, Bandos A, Eben EB, et al. Two-view digital breast tomosynthesis screening with synthetically reconstructed projection images: comparison with digital breast tomosynthesis with full-field digital mammographic images. Radiology. 2014 Jun;271(3):655-63.
Bernardi D, Macaskill P, Pellegrini M, et. al. Breast cancer screening with tomosynthesis (3D mammography) with acquired or synthetic 2D mammography compared with 2D mammography alone (STORM-2): a population-based prospective study. Lancet Oncol. 2016 Aug;17(8):1105-13.
McDonald ES, Oustimov A, Weinstein SP, et al. Effectiveness of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Compared With Digital Mammography: Outcomes Analysis From 3 Years of Breast Cancer Screening. JAMA Oncol. 2016 Jun 1;2(6):737-43.
Rafferty EA, Durand MA, Conant EF, et al. Breast Cancer Screening Using Tomosynthesis and Digital Mammography in Dense and Nondense Breasts. JAMA. 2016 Apr 26;315(16):1784-6.
Results from Friedewald, SM, et al. “Breast cancer screening using tomosynthesis in combination with digital mammography.” JAMA 311.24 (2014): 2499-2507; a multi-site (13), non-randomized, historical control study of 454,000 screening mammograms investigating the initial impact the introduction of the Hologic Selenia Dimensions on screening outcomes. Individual results may vary. The study found an average 41% increase and that 1.2 (95% CI: 0.8-1.6) additional invasive breast cancers per 1000 screening exams were found in women receiving combined 2D FFDM and 3D(TM) mammograms acquired with the Hologic 3D Mammography(TM) System versus women receiving 2D FFDM mammograms only.
In fact, finding breast cancer early, before it has a chance to spread, increases the five-year survival rate of women with stage 0 or stage I breast cancer to almost 100 percent.
According to BreastCancer.org, one in eight women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer throughout the course of her lifetime, which is why scheduling a regular breast exam is so important. Medical scientists have made great strides in developing more effective breast-screening techniques – like digital breast tomosythesis (also known as 3-D mammogram) – and taking advantage of that technology can be potentially life-saving.[MH1]
Worrying about what the screening might be like or what the results might show are common concerns, but most women found mammograms are more comfortable than they anticipated and it’s the best way to get peace of mind about your breast health. Click below to schedule your mammogram and to achieve that peace of mind.
[MH1](#?)Breastcancer. org. US breast cancer statistics. http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics. Updated March 10, 2017. Accessed August 17, 2017
- https://www.canaryfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/EarlyDetectionFactSheet.pdf Source: 1. Horner MJ, Ries LAG, Krapcho M, Neyman N, Aminou R, Howlader N, Altekruse SF, Feuer EJ, Huang L, Mariotto A, Miller BA, Lewis DR, Eisner MP, Stinchcomb DG, Edwards BK (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2006, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2006/, based on November 2008 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site, 2009. [↩]
- https://www.canaryfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/EarlyDetectionFactSheet.pdf Source: 1. Horner MJ, Ries LAG, Krapcho M, Neyman N, Aminou R, Howlader N, Altekruse SF, Feuer EJ, Huang L, Mariotto A, Miller BA, Lewis DR, Eisner MP, Stinchcomb DG, Edwards BK (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2006, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2006/, based on November 2008 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site, 2009. [↩]
- 1. FDA submissions P080003, P080003/S001, P080003/S004, P080003/S005 2. Friedewald SM, Rafferty EA, Rose SL, et al. Breast cancer screening using tomosynthesis in combination with digital mammography. JAMA. 2014 Jun 25;311(24):2499-507 [↩]
- The Genius™ exam is superior to conventional 2D mammograms, which is why many women are switching. Since 2011, over 12 million women in the US have had a Genius™ exam. The experience is comparable to a 2D mammogram and only adds seconds to the exam.1 1.FDA submissions P080003, P080003/S001, P080003/S004, P080003/S005 [↩]