Dana Farber joins the commemoration of National Mammography Day and offers great tips that you can apply at once.
At any age, it is essential to have a checkup and follow up on your health.
However, as we get older, concerns increase, visits to specialists, to the gynecologist and having exams such as mammography become something that should be frequent.
Dana Farber: Importance of Regular Mammograms for Health Screenings
Although mammograms do not prevent breast cancer, after they are performed they can save many lives.
Thanks to mammography, medical professionals will be able to detect this benign or malignant tumor as early as possible before it causes signs and symptoms.
Mammograms have been shown to play a key role in detecting and reducing the risk of dying from breast cancer, which, unfortunately, is becoming increasingly common.
Mammograms can be used for screening or diagnostic purposes:
Routine mammograms
To detect breast changes that could be cancerous in people who have no signs or symptoms.
The goal is to find cancer when it is small for less invasive treatment.
Diagnostic mammograms
Used to investigate suspicious breast changes, such as a new breast lump, pain, abnormal skin appearance, nipple thickening, or nipple discharge.
Also used to evaluate unexpected results of a routine mammogram.
How to prepare for your mammogram:
- Schedule an exam when you are less likely to have breast tenderness.
- Don’t wear deodorant before a mammogram: metal particles from powders and deodorants can show up on your mammogram and cause confusion.
Dana-Farber Mobile Mammography Van: committed to cancer diagnosis and prevention
The only mobile digital mammography program in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Provides screening mammograms and breast health education to women age 40 and older.
Equipped with the latest technology, Dana Farber’s Van serves women in communities around the greater Boston area.
It also provides a convenient means for everyone to access this essential cancer screening technology.
In conjunction with community organizations in and around Boston, the Dana-Farber Mammography Van strives to eliminate barriers by bringing high-quality breast cancer screenings to the communities most at risk.
The Digital Mammography Van is available primarily to serve priority populations of low-income, older adults, immigrants, and non-English speakers.
In this way, we break down cultural, linguistic, financial and logistical barriers to care, making mammograms more accessible to those who are least likely to obtain them.
The entire team on the van is bilingual and patients have access to interpreters at all times.
This is important, as approximately 40% of patients who used the van in 2020 noted that English was a barrier to communication.
Dana-Farber’s Mammography Van program was initially launched in April 2002 as a partnership between Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the City of Boston.
Since then, more than 50,000 women have received mammograms and other breast health services aboard Dana-Farber’s mobile screening unit.
Dana Farber Van Routes
The van runs three to four days a week throughout the year, serving all neighborhoods in Boston.
It also covers other towns, including Natick, Waltham, Quincy, and Brockton, Massachusetts.
During their appointment, patients can speak with a health educator about the importance of getting screened for breast cancer and steps they can take to reduce their risk of developing the disease.
Community meeting place
In addition to its core purpose of providing breast cancer education and screening, Dana-Farber’s Mamography Van serves as an entry point into the broader health care system.
It also provides an opportunity to connect women to primary care and apply for coverage through the MassHealth Connector.
The Dana-Farber Van joins forces and commemorates Mammography Day by informing and educating women to continually monitor their breast health and receive timely, quality follow-up services.
Visit Dana – Farber Cancer Institute’s table and learn about all breast cancer prevention and screening programs.
Our Sources: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Disclaimer:
Information on the My Health Fair website should not be construed as professional advice or medical recommendations.Readers should direct any questions regarding personal health care to licensed physicians or other appropriate health professionals.