October has quickly arrived and you are probably starting to see the color pink everywhere in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, a statistic that we hope will decline. Annual mammograms are extremely important, because early detection can save lives.
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we decided to debunk the most common myths about mammograms.
- Mammograms are only necessary once you turn 40.
False! If your family has a history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor. Your doctor might recommend that you have a mammogram done earlier than you expected. - I check myself regularly and have never found a lump. I don’t need a mammogram.
Just because you don’t feel anything, doesn’t mean that nothing is there. While it is common that a woman might find a lump if she has breast cancer, this isn’t always the case. You can’t be sure unless you get checked. - If a mammogram comes out abnormal, it’s a death sentence.
We can’t say disagree enough! Early detection saves lives and the sooner you find out, the more you can do to fight! - Mammograms are painful.
Although there is some discomfort associated with mammograms, the exam doesn’t take very long and the discomfort is gone after the exam is finished. It’s a small price to pay to know your status.
At HealthNet, providing life-saving mammogram screenings is vital to ensuring our patients are getting the best care possible – regardless of their ability to pay.
To find a HealthNet location near you, click here. If you’d like to schedule a mammogram, or learn more, please call us at 317-957-2000 or visit us online at www.indyhealthnet.org.
Just $25 provides coverage for an Indianapolis woman in need of a mammogram. Click here to help.
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