Health info
October 28, 2011
“Early Detection Saves Lives”
This is the main message of the Ministry Of Public Health (MOPH) in their breast cancer awareness campaign in Lebanon.
This is also what we, at CML believe in, and what led us to launch our Screening Program which includes early breast cancer detection test.
How does early detection save lives?
- The benefit of early detection is to discover the cancer in its early stages before symptoms start to show which offers a higher chance for the cancer to be cured.
- Breast cancers that are found because they are causing problems tend to be larger and more likely to have already spread beyond the breast.
- According to the latest statistics, screening mammography in women aged 40-70 years decreases breast cancer mortality by 25%. The benefit is higher for older women.
- According to the MOPH, breast cancer currently represents 42% of the total cancer cases affecting women in Lebanon.
The Recommendation in Lebanon
It is recommended for women once they reach 40 years of age to have screening mammography every year.
Tips for having a mammogram
Scheduling your mammogram:
- Consider scheduling mammogram 3 to 10 days after your menstrual cycle (period), when the breasts are less sensitive.
- Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time.
- For women who are not menstruating or whose periods are extremely irregular, schedule your mammogram when your breasts are not tender or swollen to help reduce discomfort and to ensure a good picture.
- On the day of the exam don’t wear deodorant or antiperspirant. Some of these contain substances that can interfere with the reading of the mammogram by appearing on the x-ray film as white spots.
- You may find it easier to wear a skirt or pants, so that you will only need to remove your blouse for the exam.
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At the radiology center:
- If you have had mammograms before, bring them with you to the radiology center.
- Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
- Always describe any breast symptoms or problems that you are having to the technologist who is doing the mammogram.
- Be prepared to describe any medical history that could affect your breast cancer risk, such as prior surgery, hormone use, or family history or personal history of breast cancer.
- Always ask about your results.
MOPH breast cancer awareness campaign
This October, like every October for the past 10 years, the MOPH has launched its breast cancer awareness campaign in Lebanon under the “Early Detection Saves Lives” message, and this campaign extends for a period of 3 months.
During these 3 months period:
References
- American cancer society, Breast cancer: early detection
- PubMed. Estimating the benefits of mammography screening: the impact of study design. 2007 Jul;18(4):487-92.
- Ministry of public health, Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign 2011.
- Radiology info, Mammography.
- Emedicinehealth, Breast cancer prevention.
- National Cancer Institute, Breast Cancer Screening.