Mammogram Reminder!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in October, which is when my yearly mammogram appointment is usually scheduled. Thought it was an easy way to remember when my last one was, but so much for that little trick. Yes, October came and went, November and December I used the excuse of the holidays and being too busy. Now, a friend's breast cancer discovery has me racing in for a mammography. Not the kind of reminder I wanted.

So to those of you, like me, who have put it off, or found one way or another to procrastinate, try to remember that even though the latest news reports say that the breast cancer numbers are down, it is mostly because of early detection. Breast Cancer is still the most common cancer among women, besides skin cancer, and it is the second leading cause of death due to cancer, after lung cancer.

You should start having regular mammograms at age 35, or sooner depending on your family history - check with your doctor. Most insurance programs cover at least one mammogram per year, so review your policy. I found out that I can have two per year at no charge, since I am between 40 and 49. If you do not have insurance, there are places that offer low cost to free mammograms sever times per year - check with your local health agencies.

Remember that monthly self examinations, regular check-ups and mammograms are the key to early detection.