Breast Cancer FAQs
Breast Cancer in Maryland
In October, 2008 more than 3,670 women in Maryland will be diagnosed
with breast cancer and 830 will die from the disease. Breast cancer
is the most common form of cancer in women, excluding basal and
squamous cell skin cancers.
Research shows that deaths from breast cancer could be reduced by at
least 30% if all women followed recommended breast cancer screening
guidelines. To-date in Maryland, only 57% of women aged 40 and older
have had a clinical breast exam and mammogram in the past year.
What can I do?
Every woman aged 40 and over should have an annual clinical breast
exam by their health care provider, and a mammogram. If you have not
done so, schedule an appointment with your health care provider.
If you are a woman who has had your annual breast screening, reach
out to other women in your circle of family, friends and co-workers
to encourage others to do the same. Let them know how important this
annual screening is.
If you are a man, encourage the women in your life to get screened.
Am I at risk for breast cancer ?
Simply being a woman and getting older puts you at risk for breast
cancer. The older you are, the greater your chances of getting
breast cancer. Also, you are at higher risk if your mother, sister,
daughter has had breast cancer.
How do I get screened for breast cancer?
There are two screening tests: a mammogram and a clinical breast
exam. You need to have BOTH tests. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray
picture of the breast. A mammogram does not cause cancer. Because
the amount of radiation used is very low, the risk of any harm is
extremely small. A clinical breast exam is performed by your doctor
and can find breast cancer at an early stage when it can best be
treated.
How often should I get screened?
Women need a mammogram and clinical breast exam every 1 to 2 years
after the age of 40.
What happens during a mammogram?
A mammogram is a simple test. When you go for a mammogram, the
technician taking the picture will place your breast between two
X-ray panels. The panels will push your breast between them to get a
clear picture. You may feel a little bit of discomfort but each
X-ray takes less than 1 minute.
Why should I get a mammogram?
Mammograms can save your life by finding breast cancer early. A
mammogram can show cancer that is too small for your doctor to feel.
When breast cancer is found early, you have more treatment options.
How will I pay for these important screenings?
Check with your health insurance plan about costs and co-payments.
If you are a Maryland woman aged 40 to 64 and do not have health
insurance that covers the screenings, call 1-800-477-9774 to find
out if you are eligible for breast cancer screenings, at no cost to
you. If you live in Prince George’s County, call the Breast and
Cervical Cancer Program at 301-883-3525.
|
Site Questions 
Contact Us 
Printer Version 
Business 
