MammogramPromise

A "Must Read" Mammography Article

KOMONews.com has a great story on their website called The Importance of Getting a Mammogram. In it, Dr. Connie Lehman from Seattle Cancer Care Alliance talks about the fear surrounding mammography and what it means to women in how they choose to get a mammogram. She also talks about the recommendations for how often to have a mammogram and why it's imporatant to make sure you have one every year, if you're over 40.

You can watch the interview, or read the transcript on the KOMO TV website: http://www.komonews.com/news/health/64647197.html

~Amy

Washington State Governor and Mammography on KING-5 TV Friday

Washington State governor Christine Gregoire will be interviewed on KING-5 TV during the morning news on Friday, Oct. 23. Tune in to hear what this state's leader has to say about your health and mammography.

Do women with breast enhancements/implants need mammograms?

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.

 

~ Amy

Minority women urged to get mammograms

On the KING-5 Evening News last night, Jean Enerson talked about how one center in Tacoma is working to get more minority women to come in for mammograms. They provide interpreters for non-native speakers, and massages and parafin hand dips in a soothing setting to make an afternoon of mammography feel more like an afternoon at the spa.

I like that idea! Watch this short program for yourself here. And don't forget to log in for the Make a Mammogram Promise Daily Drawing! Are you still collecting promises from your friends?

~Amy

Patient Power Radio features Breast Imaging Doctor

In a prefect world, early detection for all cancer patients and seamless collaboration with radiologists, surgeons, and oncologists, would change the lives of many patients. With one in eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer each year, specialists around the country are doing their best to perfect the processes for screening methods, and in many cases, these tools are assessing whether or not therapies are effective. Hear how Dr. Peter Eby, SCCA radiologist, discuss the standards for breast cancer care across the country.

Listen tonight at 6 pm with Host Andrew Schorr
Date: 10-21-2009 6pm
Guest: Dr. Peter Eby

 

Women of racial minorities are skipping mammograms on KING-5 TV Tonight!

Tonight on Seattle's KING-5 News, which starts at 5 p.m., Healthlink will examine studies that show that women of all racial minorities are less likely to get mammograms than causcasian women. Language, cultural, and/or financial barriers make participation go even lower. A group in Tacoma decided to do something about this! Watch the KING-5 Evening News at 5 p.m. to find out more.

Another Mammogram Promise Winner

Congratulations Joan Aumack, RN, CWOCN, from New Jersey!

This is what Joan had to say in her own words: My daughter from Bellevue sent me the Mammogram Promise. My other daughter (who lives in New Jersey) and I did the Race for the Cure in Seattle this year. My younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 42. She is doing fantastically now.

I have already gotten my mammogram for this year and I'm spreading the word about Make a Mammogram Promise!

~Amy

Governor Talks Mammography

Washington State governor Christine Gregoire will be interviewed on KING-5 TV during the morning news on Friday, Oct. 23. Tune in to hear what this state's leader has to say about your health and mammography.

Comfy and Cozy Mammography

 

For those of you still not feeling so comfy with the idea of mammography, check out this serene scene. I’m not sure I could pull off such elegance at any exam, but most centers go to extra lengths to create a spa-like environment and experience for women. And if that doesn’t quite make it, one of the best ideas I’ve heard for bolstering motivation is to schedule a pedicure, massage or some other personal indulgence to follow your breast health visit.

Wow! We’re moving into the second half of Make a Mammogram Promise with nearly 3000 promises! Way to share and care, and keep it rolling!

As we in the Northwest settle into the chillier rainy times, people are getting out their glassybabies, lighting some warm candle glow and cozying up. It’s a good feeling to reflect on those 3000 promises - that you’ve helped to gather - turning into 3000 women getting their mammogram. Think of the peace of mind these will generate, and have a comfy and cozy weekend!

~ Marian

 

Deb Jarvis, author, discusses mammography on KING-5 TV

Deb Jarvis, author of "It's Not About the Hair" was interviewed on Friday, Oct. 16 about her experience with mammography and breast cancer.

Watch her informative and funny conversation online now: http://www.king5.com/video/in-studio-index.html?nvid=407547.