The Promise Blog

Thank you Facebook “Likers” & Mammogram Promise Makers

By amypoffenbarger | Published: October 31, 2011

Thank you for supporting Make a Mammogram Promise and for helping to save lives by spreading the word about the importance of mammography to your family and friends.

Did you win a prize along the way? If so, tell us what you won! Have you had a chance to use it yet? Today is your last chance to win and the prize is a doozy.  You could win  $60 to Barrio Mexican Kitchen & Bar on Capitol Hill AND you will also win a pair of Coach sunglasses, a $175 value!

Promise now or share now to increase your chances to win. www.mammogrampromise.org

Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Make a Mammogram Promise campaign end today.

We hope you made a promise to get your mammogram. If this monthly attention to breast cancer has made you a little uneasy, check out the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool. Designed by the National Cancer Institute, it’s a questionnaire to help women determine their chances of developing invasive breast cancer. Have a great year! http://www.seattlecca.org/breast-cancer-risk-assessment.cfm

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10 Tips for Breast Cancer Screening & Early Detection

By amypoffenbarger | Published: October 28, 2011

One of our parent organizations, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, publishes a host of valuable research and information. In light of October, they’ve published 10 Tips for Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection. Read on!

1. If you are over 40, get a mammogram. Early detection of breast cancer offers the best chance for a cure. Seattle Cancer Care Alliance supports the American Cancer Society’s recommendation that women begin annual mammography screening at age 40.

2. Where you go matters – choose a mammography expert. Many studies show that doctors who specialize in mammography are more accurate at interpreting the images when compared to physicians with less experience. Get your mammogram read by a doctor who specializes in reading them.

The American College of Radiology offers an online search for accredited facilities and “Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence” such as the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. http://www.acr.org/accreditation/AccreditedFacilitySearch.aspx

3. Go digital. Centers that specialize in digital mammography are best for women with dense breast tissue and for women under age 50. Digital scans can do a better job of detecting cancer in these women than traditional film mammography.

4. Don’t put off screening because of discomfort. A mammogram should never be painful. Fear that the exam will be uncomfortable is one reason women put off scheduling a mammogram. To reduce discomfort, try to schedule the exam after your monthly period, when breast tissue is less sensitive. You may benefit by taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen before your mammogram. Above all, tell the mammography technologist about any discomfort you may be experiencing. They can work with you to make the experience more comfortable.
5. Don’t put off screening because of fear. Most abnormalities found after a mammogram are not cancer. However, in some cases you may be called back for more tests, such as additional mammography or ultrasound screening, to confirm that the area on the screening mammogram is normal. That’s why you may be asked to return for a follow-up exam.

6. Consider getting results while you wait. Particularly for your first mammogram, you may want to schedule your exam so you receive your results before you leave the imaging center. Or if you have found that you are frequently called back to your mammography center for a second scan, you can ask that your appointment include getting results to you while you wait.

7. Know how your breasts feel normally. Your health care provider can show you how to do breast self-exam. If you notice a change in your breasts, such as a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, talk to your health care provider.

8. In addition to mammography, have a regular breast exam by your health care provider. The American Cancer Society recommends that women 40 and over should receive annual clinical breast exams. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam as part of a periodic health exam by a health professional at least every three years.

Know your risk.  If you have family members who have had breast cancer, especially a mother or sister, and if they had breast cancer before reaching menopause, tell your doctor, as your own risk of cancer may be higher than average. Some women at high risk may be recommended for annual MRI in addition to a screening mammogram.

10. Try an online risk calculator.  The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool, designed by the National Cancer Institute, is a questionnaire to help women determine their chances of developing invasive breast cancer. You can find it on the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance website at http://www.seattlecca.org/breast-cancer-risk-assessment.cfm

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Do Mammograms Hurt?

By amypoffenbarger | Published: October 27, 2011

In the February 2005 issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology, a study was published suggesting that most women do not experience pain or anxiety during mammography screening, which of course goes against the common belief that mammograms hurt.

The study consisted of 150 women divided into three groups for their screening mammograms. In one group, the women listened to a relaxation tape during the mammogram. Another group listened to music during their mammogram. The third group didn’t listen to anything. After their mammograms, the women filled out questionnaires about how much pain and anxiety they experienced during the mammogram. The study found no significant differences regarding pain or stress in either of the groups.

“Virtually none of the participants experienced pain or anxiety. We were quite surprised at the outcome,” the study investigator said in a prepared statement.

There are those holdouts though who’ll swear that their breasts are so sensitive just the idea of a mammogram is painful. This may especially be true for women with large breasts. Be sure to let the technologist know when you’re experiencing pain so they can reposition you during the test. Mammograms should not be a painful experience.

Any discomfort you experience will be worth it. Especially if you’ve made your Mammogram Promise because today’s prize is a a full set of Eyelash Extensions ($130 value!) from Swink Style Bar. image of eyelashes

 

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Mammography and MRI – What’s the difference?

By amypoffenbarger | Published: October 26, 2011

Mammography uses an X-ray, where MRI, short for magnetic resonance imaging, uses radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body.

Mammography is an excellent tool for screening women at average risk for breast cancer It is easily accessible and less expensive than MRI.

Recent studies show that MRI is a great complement to mammography, especially in women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. MRIs are now used most often as an adjunct to screening mammography in women who are at very high lifetime risk for breast cancer.  It is also used to evaluate extent of disease in the newly diagnosed cancer patients, and can help guide treatment options. Breast MRI also detects unsuspected cancer in the opposite breast in 3 to 4 percent of these women.  But at the present time, breast MRI is not considered a replacement for annual screening mammography.

In 2003, the American Society of Clinical Oncology reported on three studies that examined MRI screening for women who are at high risk for breast cancer. These studies concluded that MRI is a more sensitive in finding cancers than mammography, ultrasound, or clinical breast exams, however, it was revealed that MRIs give a higher number of “false positives,” too, which in turn can mean unnecessary tests, biopsies, and increased anxiety.

 

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Remembering her annual check-up was a lifesaver

By amypoffenbarger | Published: October 25, 2011

During her annual doctor’s examination and mammogram in the summer of 2008, Seattle area resident Dianne Riley forgot to schedule an appointment for the following year. Her reason was a familiar one: she felt rushed and busy that day. Then, in October 2009, Riley spotted an advertisement for the first Mammogram Promise campaign. This, along with the small lump in her breast that was painful to touch, triggered her memory and launched her into action.

“I thought I bruised myself,” Riley said.

While her primary care doctor told her that it wasn’t cancer because, as she remembers her physician saying, “Cancer doesn’t hurt,” her digital mammogram told a different story; she had early, stage zero breast cancer.

Riley’s proactive nature served her well when she pushed back against the first oncologist she visited after being told a mastectomy was the way to go. Understanding that a crucial part of treatment after receiving a cancer diagnosis is to gather good information, Riley sought another opinion.

“I think if there’s one thing that I would suggest to everybody, if they find out, is to get more than one opinion. That is so, so important,” Riley asserted. “I don’t care how comfortable you feel with your first doctor, get more than one opinion.”

Following this advice served her well, for the second oncologist she saw ended up treating her with two lumpectomies and a course of radiation treatments: no mastectomy.

“I feel everybody needs to be their own advocate, but it’s hard to be your own advocate when you don’t know the questions to ask, and you’re very nervous. You’re scared about this,” Riley said, who also emphasized to not go through the experience alone. “Somebody else needs to be your ears.”

With the 2011 Mammogram Promise campaign coming to a close at the end of this month, Riley is encouraging people to talk with the women they know about getting their mammograms.

“It’s not going to get any easier for you, and it could get more difficult, so just do it,” Riley said. “Again, it goes back to being aware, and mammograms are one of the easiest things to do.”

Reported by Erik Hansen, SCCA

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Eat your fruits & veggies, then your chocolate

By amypoffenbarger | Published: October 25, 2011

If you know anything at all about keeping healthy, you know that fruits and veggies are really important for you. There are some special ones though that give you the extra boost when it comes to avoiding cancer. The nutritionists at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance have provided the following recommendation for healthy eating.

Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day – Research shows that eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables every day can reduce your risk of cancer, including breast, bladder, colorectal, esophagus, lung, prostate, and stomach cancers.

  • Generally, a serving is about ½-cup; this may be somewhat smaller for children.
  • Plan your meals in advance to include fruits and veggies.
  • Keep washed, pre-cut fruits and veggies on hand for a healthy snack, such as:
    • Apples
    • Broccoli
    • Carrots
    • Celery
    • Orange slices
  • Stock the refrigerator with single servings of applesauce, fruit cocktail, fruit juice, or low-fat yogurt for healthy snacks.
  • Involve your children in meal planning and ask them to choose a favorite vegetable or fruit for each meal.
  • Eat a balanced, low fat, high-fiber diet.

It doesn’t sound all that bad, really. Does it? Read all of our Healthy Living Choices at http://www.seattlecca.org/healthy-living-choices.cfm

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Is Mammography Accurate?

By amypoffenbarger | Published: October 24, 2011

Yes, for the most part mammography is accurate. There are false negatives and false positive diagnoses made however, so accuracy also falls upon the physician.

Studies have shown that the more experience a center and/or a physician has in reading mammograms the more accurate the reading will be, which means fewer false positives, fewer follow-up tests, and less patient anxiety. It also helps if you have your mammogram at the same radiology center each time. In most cases, digital mammograms read by specialized radiologists are over 20 percent more accurate at detecting breast cancer than traditional mammograms read by generalists. Breast expert radiologists read thousands of mammograms a year and studies have shown that doctors who specialize in mammography are more accurate at interpreting the images when compared to physicians with less experience.

What’s a false negative?

A false negative diagnosis means that the mammogram appears normal even though the woman has breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute says that mammograms miss up to 20 percent of the breast cancers that are present at the time of screening and that false negatives occur more often in younger women than in older women because younger women have dense breast tissue, which can obscure or hide cancer. As women age, their breasts usually become more fatty and less dense, and breast cancers become easier to detect with screening mammograms.

What’s a false positive?

False positive mammograms occur when radiologists think there is cancer, when there isn’t. The NCI recommends that all abnormal mammograms be followed up with additional tests, like a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, and/or biopsy) to make sure that cancer is not present. As with false negatives, false positives are more common in younger women, and also with women who have had previous breast biopsies, women with a family history of breast cancer, and women who are taking estrogen.

Despite the potential for misreadings, physicians and researchers agree that mammography is the best screening tool available today for breast cancer.

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National Mammography Day!

By amypoffenbarger | Published: October 21, 2011

Today is National Mammography Day. Did you make your promise? If so, congratulations! You’re on your way to doing what’s best for you.  After you have your mammogram, what could be better than some wonderful Fran’s Chocolates? That’s today’s Mammogram Promise prize! $100 in gift cards to Seattle’s Fran’s Chocolates.

They say eating chocolate is good for you, but there are lots of things better for helping to avoid cancer. Share your ideas with us and check out SCCA’s Healthy Choices list for ideas at your next grocery store visit: http://www.seattlecca.org/healthy-living-choices.cfm#vegetables

photo of frans chocolates

 

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Do women with breast enhancements/implants need mammograms?

By amypoffenbarger | Published: October 20, 2011

OK. I have to admit that this is something I really wanted to know about. Not that I have implants, but to me, it’s a question of concern. Implants are not solid objects and that mammography machine has a little push to it. Will an implant “pop” when squeezed too hard? This I just had to know.

So, what I’ve learned is that women with breast implants should continue to have mammograms, according to the National Cancer Institute. Popping isn’t the concern, but hiding breast tissue is!

The mammography technologist and radiologist must be experienced in imaging women with breast implants because the implants can hide breast tissue and make it more difficult for the radiologist to see abnormalities on the mammogram.

So, when you call to make your mammogram appointment, tell the mammography center that you have breast implants, and maybe once again when you get there, just to be sure.  By telling the mammography technologist about your implants, she will be able to make sure that as much breast tissue as possible can be seen on the mammogram.

Glad we got that topic covered. I was a little concerned.

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10 Tips to Preventing Breast Cancer

By amypoffenbarger | Published: October 18, 2011

One of SCCA’s parent companies, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, has a very informative website and this month they’ve published a site called 10 Tips for Preventing Breast Cancer. http://www.fhcrc.org/research/diseases/breast_cancer/10-tips-prevention.html

Check it out. Here’s what they recommend.

  1. Avoid becoming overweight. Obesity raises the risk of breast cancer after menopause, the time of life when breast cancer most often occurs. Avoid gaining weight over time, and try to maintain a body-mass index under 25 (calculators can be found online)
  2. Eat healthy to avoid tipping the scale. Embrace a diet high in vegetables and fruit and low in sugared drinks, refined carbohydrates and fatty foods. Eat lean protein such as fish or chicken breast and eat red meat in moderation, if at all. Eat whole grains. Choose vegetable oils over animal fats.
  3. Keep physically active. Research suggests that increased physical activity, even when begun later in life, reduces overall breast-cancer risk by about 10 percent to 30 percent. All it takes is moderate exercise like a 30-minute walk five days a week to get this protective effect.
  4. Drink little or no alcohol. Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Women should limit intake to no more than one drink per day, regardless of the type of alcohol.
  5. Avoid hormone replacement therapy. Menopausal hormone therapy increases risk for breast cancer. If you must take hormones to manage menopausal symptoms, avoid those that contain progesterone and limit their use to less than three years. “Bioidentical hormones” and hormonal creams and gels are no safer than prescription hormones and should also be avoided.
  6. Consider taking an estrogen-blocking drug. Women with a family history of breast cancer or who are over age 60 should talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of estrogen-blocking drugs such as tamoxifen and raloxifene.
  7. Consider taking the aromatase inhibitor exemestane.  The results of a study released earlier this year showed that the drug exemestane reduced the risk of breast cancer by 65 percent in high-risk, postmenopausal women. Talk to your doctor about whether this may benefit you.
  8. Don’t smoke. Research suggests that long-term smoking is associated with increased risk of breast cancer in some women.
  9. Breast-feed your babies for as long as possible. Women who breast-feed their babies for at least a year in total have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer later.
  10. Get fit and support breast cancer research at the same time. Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Ascend some of the world’s most breathtaking peaks while raising vital funds for and awareness of breast cancer research by participating in the Hutchinson Center’s annual Climb to Fight Breast Cancer.
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