By Michelle Smith Howard, President & CEO, Kids’ First Years
Alexandria, VA – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—an annual health campaign primarily aimed at women in order to promote early detection of breast cancer through image screenings, commonly known as mammograms.
Since mothers, as well as women who serve as caregivers for young children, often put the needs of others first, our Kids’ First Years collective wanted to focus this month’s article on the importance of women taking care of themselves and staying healthy. We asked our partners from Neighborhood Health and Inova to share insights about this topic.
Responses are provided by:
- Kathleen Harnden, Medical Oncologist, Inova Schar Cancer
- Nara Hojvat-Gallin, Cancer Screening Program Manager, Neighborhood Health
- Elise Morris, Associate Medical Director and Family Physician, Neighborhood Health
At what age should women start having regular mammogram?
Dr. Harnden and Dr. Morris: It’s recommended that women have mammograms annually starting at age 40.
What can be detected with a mammogram?
Dr. Morris: Mammograms can detect early cancers when they can easily be treated. Even a Stage Zero cancer can be caught early so patients can get treatment more quickly. Early detection means care with minimal treatment; detection in later stages means a longer and more intensive regimen of treatment including chemo.
What signs and symptoms should never be ignored?
Dr. Harnden: If you notice a change of any sort in your breast, contact your doctor. Don’t think “I’ll just wait to see if it gets better.” The only way to know for sure that everything is OK, or if there’s a potential problem, is breast imaging. Good breast health self-awareness is key; if anything changes, you should go to a physician who will likely order imaging as the first step.
Dr. Morris: Know your own body so you’ll be aware if you feel a lump or a bump in your breast or armpit that has never been there before. Other signs of an issue are breast pain in a particular spot, any skin changes such as an indentation or dimpling on the breast or nipple, or something that just “feels different.”
Why do many women put off getting a mammogram?
Hojvat-Gallin: There are many reasons why women delay scheduling a mammogram, including finding the time to get to the doctor or to take off work, being concerned about possible costs or co-pays, getting transportation to the appointment, securing child care during business hours when medical appointments take place, lack of internet access to book appointments or complete medical forms online, or a language barrier that can be challenging to make appointments. The Breast Health Navigators at Neighborhood Health can assist women with the process.
Is family history a factor?
Dr. Harnden: Family history is essential to knowing your own risk of breast cancer. Don’t shy away from talking to your doctor about other women in your family who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Dr. Morris: Some women are at higher risk if there’s a family history of breast cancer. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your family history.
If you have never had a mammogram before, what’s the first step?
Dr. Morris: Any primary care physician can give a referral for a breast screening. If you don’t have a doctor, call Neighborhood Health at 703-535-5568, ext. 1520, for assistance in scheduling a mammogram.
How can you get to the appointment for a mammogram if you don’t have a car?
Hojvat-Gallin: Neighborhood Health partners with The Brem Foundation’s Wheels for Women program that provides transportation for primarily low-income women to get mammograms and follow-up imaging.
Will insurance cover the cost of a mammogram?
Dr. Morris: Many insurance providers will cover the cost of a mammogram. For those without insurance, the Virginia Department of Health offers Every Woman’s Life – a program that helps uninsured, low-income women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screening services. Find details at vdh.virginia.gov/every-womans-life/
Are mammograms painful?
Dr. Morris: I tell women that the breast imaging process can be a bit uncomfortable, but it’s quick and doesn’t require pain medication.
Does Inova have a mobile mammography unit?
Dr. Harnden: The Inova Saville Mobile Center Screening Bus, sometimes referred to as the Inova Mammovan, is amazingly popular. The bus comes to Neighborhood Health locations two days each month, providing a service that increases access to mammograms for Neighborhood Health patients in a familiar location that’s near where they work or live. Inova is one of the only health centers in the world that offers state-of-the-art cancer screenings with an oncologist through our cancer screening and prevention center.
What are some helpful resources about breast cancer and screenings?
Inova Schar Cancer, inova.org/our-services/inova-schar-cancer-institute
American Cancer Society, cancer.org
Susan G. Komen, komen.org
National Comprehensive Cancer Network, nccn.org
Nueva Vida, nueva-vida.org
As a resource for connecting people to care, Neighborhood Health’s website is neighborhoodhealthva.org.
