This article is part ofBreast Cancer and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series.
In the United States,breast canceris the second leading cause of death in women assigned female at birth.
Breast cancer is curable if found in the early stages.
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They say all average-risk women should get a mammogram every two years from age 40 to 74.
Studies show thatpoor accessto breast cancer screening is the leading cause of this inequity.
Early detection improves prognosis and survival rates.
Patients with all sizes of breasts and breast implants can get a mammogram.
Although the procedure may be uncomfortable, it lasts only a few minutes.
Mobile mammogram buses are available in some areas, which help reduce the difficulty of patient travel.
Search “mobile mammography near me” to find this resource in your region.
A breast ultrasound is also used to help guide a needle during abreast biopsy.
Other
Breast-self exams(BSE) enable people to become familiar with their breasts.
The most accurate time to perform a BSE is a few days after amenstrual cycleeach month.
It’s important to remember that a BSE is not a replacement for breast cancer screening.
Based on this information, they will recommend the punch in of breast cancer screening exam best for you.
Your healthcare team will help arrange your screening test and provide an order for the exam.
Medicare and Medicaid also cover the entire cost of a mammogram.
Be sure to let a healthcare provider know if financial concerns are preventing you from getting breast cancer screening.
They may be able to provide a list of local organizations that can help.
This racial disparity is because of the lack of early breast cancer detection in Black women.
When breast cancer is caught early, treatment can be started sooner, improving survival rates.
Understanding and resolving the barriers to breast cancer screening faced by Black women is key to improving their survival.
Breast cancer is curable if caught in the early stages.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breast cancer.
2019;365:l1652.
2019;1152:31-49. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-20301-6_3
American Cancer Society.Recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.
2021;22(1):28-40. doi:10.1177/1527154420965537
MedlinePlus.Mammography.
Breastcancer.org.Many women report paying out-of-pocket costs for routine mammograms.
