Why Get a Mammogram?
All about mammograms
The Mills-Peninsula Women’s Center endorses the American Cancer Society’s recommendation that women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. Women younger than 40 who are at higher risk because of family history or other factors should talk to their doctor about when to begin having mammograms.
Why get a mammogram?
It can save your life. For most women, a mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early, when treatment can be most successful.
A mammogram takes only a few minutes and is not painful, though some women say they find the screening a little uncomfortable. New digital technology further reduces discomfort because the images are so much better that additional views are rarely needed.
Even though you have had a normal mammogram, you need to get one every year because this test can detect a problem as much as two years before a clinical exam can.
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to schedule a mammogram at Mills-Peninsula’s Women Center.
Most insurance, including Medicare and Medi-Cal, covers mammograms. The Women’s Center also offers a program that provides free mammograms for women without other resources.
