The top three excuses we've heard from women who don't get mammograms once a year are:
- Fear
- No time
- Cost
As it turns out, there are many studies that look at why women are afraid of getting mammograms. Most recently a study was published in Oncology Nursing News that addressed fear, which can either motivate women to seek mammograms or avoid them. The reason for avoiding them seems to be due to a lack of information. Some people are afraid of doctors, exams, and tests. For some, mammograms aren't a priority because they don't feel like they are at risk for cancer. “I don’t have anyone in my family with cancer,” is one common reason. Another reason is, "I'm healthy? I'll wait to go to the doctor when I'm sick." And strangely enough, there are women who believe that ignorance is bliss. “What I don’t know won’t hurt me,” might be the clichéd response.
Ignorance may be bliss, and your history may not be fully written, but screening mammography is the only test available that is clinically proven to save lives by detecting breast cancer at early stages. If you're healthy, it's the perfect time for mammography so you know what healthy breasts look like on the inside. Unfortunately, being a woman puts you at risk for breast cancer, regardless of any other factor.
Tomorrow we will address the "I have no time" excuse for not getting a mammogram. Until then, fear not. Your mammogram could save your life. We've created a huge list of mammography providers in and around the
~Amy
