PLUM OR M&M?
Everyone knows that plums are healthier than M&M's. But when it comes to breast cancer screening, nothing is sweeter than an M&M-sized breast cancer.
Why?
Because cancers that are about 1 cm (or the size of an M&M) have a 97% chance or better of cure. And although a breast cancer can be detected by physical exam when it is still small, the average size of a cancer found on palpation is about the size of a small plum.
Size isn't the only thing that matters when it comes to breast cancer survival. The other two most important factors are whether or not there has been spread to lymph nodes under the arm and the aggressiveness of the tumor (also known as the grade of the tumor). All of these factors are minimized when a cancer is detected on a screening mammogram as opposed to found on physical exam.
As I have blogged in the past, the continued confusion over when to screen, who to screen and how often to screen is unnecessary. To be clear: there is no 'debate' about whether or not screening mammography saves lives. Recent follow-up studies to the original trials proving the efficacy of mammographic screening not only show that regular screening can decrease the death rate from breast cancer by over 30%, most of the benefit of screening occurs after the first 10-15 years of screening. In other words, the more screens you receive, the bigger the benefit.
And speaking of benefits, remember: A Colorado law which went into effect 1/1/2011 (HB 10-1252) requires all insurance companies doing business in the state of Colorado to provide for annual mammography for all women age 40 and older. And the Affordable Care Act, now finally becoming fully implemented, requires the same nationwide, with no out-of-pocket expenses. If you find yourself uncovered under commercial insurance, you can get a free mammogram through the state-sponsored Women's Wellness Connection (must be a legal resident) or Denver Komen for the Cure (covers even undocumented women) if you meet certain criteria.
So, when you're stealing M&M's from your kids Halloween candy later this month, remember that an M&M-sized breast cancer is curable, but the only way to find a cancer that small is on a screening mammogram. So go ahead, have a handful of M&M's, then call us at The Breast Care Center to make your annual screening mammogram appointment. Then maybe go on a bike ride...
As I have blogged in the past, the continued confusion over when to screen, who to screen and how often to screen is unnecessary. To be clear: there is no 'debate' about whether or not screening mammography saves lives. Recent follow-up studies to the original trials proving the efficacy of mammographic screening not only show that regular screening can decrease the death rate from breast cancer by over 30%, most of the benefit of screening occurs after the first 10-15 years of screening. In other words, the more screens you receive, the bigger the benefit.
And speaking of benefits, remember: A Colorado law which went into effect 1/1/2011 (HB 10-1252) requires all insurance companies doing business in the state of Colorado to provide for annual mammography for all women age 40 and older. And the Affordable Care Act, now finally becoming fully implemented, requires the same nationwide, with no out-of-pocket expenses. If you find yourself uncovered under commercial insurance, you can get a free mammogram through the state-sponsored Women's Wellness Connection (must be a legal resident) or Denver Komen for the Cure (covers even undocumented women) if you meet certain criteria.
So, when you're stealing M&M's from your kids Halloween candy later this month, remember that an M&M-sized breast cancer is curable, but the only way to find a cancer that small is on a screening mammogram. So go ahead, have a handful of M&M's, then call us at The Breast Care Center to make your annual screening mammogram appointment. Then maybe go on a bike ride...
