What to do if you’ve missed a mammo
While one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, early detection ups your chances of successful treatment. If the pandemic disrupted your usual preventive care routine, here’s how to catch up.
1. Call your doctor today!
According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, 35 percent of American adults missed a scheduled cancer screening during the pandemic. If you’re only a year behind on your mammogram, you’re still on track. The American Cancer Society (ACS) now advises that women ages 55 to 74 have a mammo every one or two years, so you’re within that window, if you make an appointment soon.
2. Ask for a 3D mammogram
Tomosynthesis, also known as tomo, is up to 40 percent better at detecting invasive breast cancers compared to 2D mammograms. A study in Radiology showed 3D mammograms delivered fewer false positives in women over 65, reducing the need for follow-up appointments, additional tests using radiation, and even biopsies.
3. Practice breast self-awareness
The ACS no longer recommends regular breast self-exams because there’s little evidence they help with early detection. Still, experts want you to be familiar with your breasts. The new goal is breast self-awareness. That means noting any new lumps or bumps, changes to your nipples, skin texture, and any pain or discharge. If you notice anything out of the norm, talk with your gynecologist or primary care physician.
Got the COVID-19 shot in the last month? Tell your doc.
Enlarged lymph nodes are a natural response to the vaccine, and they can show up on a mammo. Schedule your mammo at least 4-6 weeks after getting the shot, or tell the doctor ordering your screening if you were recently vaccinated.
