Today is officially observed as National Mammography Day which is observed annually as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This day serves as a reminder to all women that the best defense is early detection. Mammograms can often detect a problem before there any other signs. Although breast cancer screening can't prevent breast cancer, it can help find cancer earlier which is easier to treat. If you haven't set up your annual mammogram this is a great reminder to do so! You can also use the hash tag #NationalMammographyDay to spread awareness on social media.
Sporting my pink mammogram robe before I got my screening!
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women behind skin cancer. Every year in the United States, more than 245,000 women get breast cancer and more than 40,000 women die from the disease. Almost every person has been impacted by the disease through either a friend, family member, or themselves. Breast cancer is especially important to me because my mom is a survivor who beat the disease in 1998. She found a spot very early due to screening and luckily was able to treat it early. That's why I'm so passionate about screening. This affected me greatly because at a young age (I was 17 at the time) I became very aware of how widespread this disease has become.
Wear your pink proudly during the month of October to spread awareness!
As a wife, mother, full-time employee, and occasional blogger (feels funny to say that!) there is often little time to fit in my own health screenings. We know as moms- we all put our children's doctor visits at the top of the list thus dropping our own health priorities. But this is one screening that every woman needs to prioritize. Most doctors recommend to start mammograms at the age of 40. But if you have family history like I do most doctors recommend starting at age 35. Of course be sure to consult with your physician about what they recommend. Younger women tend to have more dense breast tissue. Even nearly half of all women 40 and older have dense breasts. One of my biggest tips on screening (which I owe to a friend's advice) is to request a TOMO type of mammogram. This is a digital breast breast tomosynthesis. It is a revolutionary new screening and diagnostic breast imaging tool to improve the early detection of breast cancer. During the 3D part of the exam, an x-ray arm sweeps over the breast, taking multiple images in seconds. In the state of TN you have to request this type of mammogram otherwise they will give you the standard kind. Knowledge is definitely power so I think it's a great idea to always request this type. I've heard that in some states that are automatically performing this type of screening which in my opinion should become mandatory in all 50 states. It's always helpful to ask when setting up your screening!
Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month this is a great time to get involved or give to the cause. The Susan G. Komen organization is a wonderful way to donate to the cause. They put on several walk/runs around the country. If you have ever participated in this event you know what a powerful event this is! The Nashville race will be on Saturday, October 26th. Register here for the event. Another easy way to help support the local Nashville community is through one of our fave local charities called NaSHEville. They make it easy to contribute to charities via the sale of clothing, accessories, etc. They currently have a "Fighter" Breast Cancer Tee which serves breast cancer patients and survivors in the Nashville area. Check out their amazing site which also serves many other amazing missions.
Check out NaSHEville to purchase this "Fighter" Breast Cancer Tee
I hope this post was a great reminder to schedule your screening or to encourage your sisters, mothers, friends to do the same!
XOXO,
Amanda
