In the News

by Sharon Nelson, R.N., The Times-Standard, 10/13/06

1. It's too expensive; I don't have enough money.

Most mammograms are covered by insurance if you are over the age of 40. Insurance companies may even pay for a baseline mammogram at age 35. If you are over 40 and either don't have insurance or have a large deductible you may qualify for the Cancer Detection Program: Every Woman Counts. (Call 1-800-511-2300 to find out if you are eligible.) If you don't qualify for the Cancer Detection Program or if you are under 40, contact The Humboldt Community Breast Health Project at 707-825-8345. Staff at "The Project" may be able to help you locate other resources.

2. I'm concerned about the risk of radiation exposure from the mammogram itself.

To quote the eminent breast surgeon and author Dr. Susan Love: "These days mammography contains very little radiation risk, since we've reduced the amount of radiation significantly in recent years. Most specialists feel that the radiation risk of mammography after age 35 is negligible or nonexistent. It's commonly said that a mammogram exposes you to the same amount of radiation you'd get in a plane flying over Denver." One radiologist in Boston explained it in more colorful terms: the amount of radiation of one mammogram is equal to the amount of radiation you would get by walking on the beach nude for 10 minutes or until you got caught.

3. I'm afraid the compression will hurt me and damage my breast tissue.

To get the compression required for a clear mammogram film does take pressure, but it should not cause excessive pain. The technician will ask you to tell her when the amount of compression being applied is too much for you. Let her know. While being uncomfortable mammograms should not cause damage to the breast. If you experience breast tenderness with your period consider scheduling your mammogram at a different time of the month.

4. I can't take the time to have a mammogram; I am too busy.

A screening mammogram typically takes 30 minutes. Some centers will schedule during the lunch hour or, if needed, after 5 pm. Detecting breast cancer early is a gift to your self You deserve the time. Consider scheduling your mammogram every year as a birthday present to yourself. Linking the scheduling of the procedure to your birthday increases the likelihood of remembering to do it.

5. I don't have transportation.

All of the mammography units in Humboldt County are close to bus lines. There are units in Arcata (Mad River Community Hospital), Eureka (Humboldt Radiology, St. Joseph Hospital), Fortuna (Redwood Memorial Hospital) and Garberville (Jerold Phelps Community Hospital).

6. I'm embarrassed.

Women of all shapes and sizes have mammograms. The technician who will position your breasts on the mammography machine are professionally trained and take every measure to protect your dignity. During the procedure you are given a gown and asked to remove only your shirt and bra (you keep your pants or skirt on during the mammogram). You will be allowed to undress and dress in private.

7. I am afraid they will find cancer.

A diagnosis of breast cancer is every woman's fear. Experts say approximately 80% of breast lumps for women under age 50 are not cancerous so odds do seem to be in your favor. While screening mammograms are not 100% fail safe having one yearly, in combination with self breast exam and an exam by a medical provider, is your best insurance for early detection. Keep in mind that with early detection there is a 95% survival rate. The life time risk of an American woman developing breast cancer is one in eight or about 12 percent. Catching a breast cancer and treating it early increases your chances for a long and productive life.

8. If I am diagnosed I don't think I will want treatment.

Many women fear what they have heard about the treatments for breast cancer. They believe if they are diagnosed they may have a mastectomy and may suffer from chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Not all women diagnosed receive the same treatments. If diagnosed early you may need only breast conserving surgery and possibly radiation therapy. If mastectomy is warranted there is always the option of reconstruction or prosthetics. If chemotherapy is indicated there are very effective medications that lessen the side effects. We at HCBHP know that breast cancer is "do-able" if given accurate information and the support of those who have walked this path before us.

9. My mammogram was normal; I don't need another one.

Once in not enough! Even though you have had a normal mammogram in the past, you will still need to be screened annually if you are over 40 years of age. The risk for developing breast cancer increases with age. Women need to be screened regardless of whether or not there is a family history of breast cancer. Know that most women with breast cancer have no family history of it. Having yearly mammograms will allow the radiologist to compare films and detect a breast cancer (if present) early. Remember: early detection is the key!

10. Hours of availability at local facilities:

Humboldt Radiology (707-442-3704)
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with last mammogram scheduled at 4:40 p.m.

Mad River Community Hospital (707-822-7220, ext. 3213)
Monday- Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. with mammograms scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

St. Joseph Hospital (707-445-8121 and press 8, then 3, then 2)
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Redwood Memorial Hospital (707-725-7373)
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m.

Jerold Phelps Community Hospital707-923-3921 and press 2)
Wednesday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m (closed for lunch from 12:30 pm. - 2:00 p.m.)

Sutter Coast Hospital (707-464-8844)
Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

According to the California Department of Health Services it is estimated that 40 percent of California women aged 40 and above do not receive annual mammograms. We hope that this information will help eliminate barriers to screening for the women of Humboldt County. For more information please contact the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project at 707-825-8345 or visit our web site at www.hcbhp.org.