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Breast cancer awareness: A story from the heart

  • Published
  • By Brenda Marshall
  • Health and Wellness Center information manager
Penny and I met in our usual Monday morning roll call planning session. We'd contemplated on how to go about writing an article on breast cancer, what experts to ask for the latest statistics and professional input on the following:
  • What is breast cancer;
  • How do you determine if you even need an exam, and;
  • Who do you contact to schedule an exam?
The big question was really simple: How do you get people to understand the importance of breast cancer awareness and getting annual exams?

To shine a light on this subject from a layman's perspective, I decided to put my pride aside and share my personal story. I will honestly say that my wake- up call came during my annual gynecologist pap smear when my provider asked if I did monthly breast self exams. "Sure," I uneasily replied while trying to remember the last time I'd actually did a self breast exam. She asked, "Well, did you feel this lump in your right breast?"

I almost fell off of the table.

Make no mistake about it, breast cancer is real! Don't be that one that thinks that you don't fit the "at risk" category just because you are under 39. The American Cancer Society's website recently posted the most recent estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2010 which are:

· About 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer are in women
· About 54,010 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be found (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
· About 39,840 deaths are from breast cancer in women

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancer) tumor that starts from cells of the breast. It is found mostly in women, but men can get breast cancer, too. My breast lump was benign--it wasn't cancer, it was an abnormal growth. But, I found out that benign breast lumps can increase a woman's chance of developing breast cancer.

How do I know that I need a breast exam or a mammogram?


The American Cancer Society recommends women in their 20s and 30s have a clinical breast exam as part of a regular exam by a health expert, preferably every three years. After age 40, they recommend women have a breast exam by a health expert every year. In addition, women 40 and over should get a mammogram every year. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. The few minutes of discomfort could very well save your life.

If I need a mammogram, where do I start?

Call or visit your local TRICARE beneficiary services representative or your private healthcare insurance representative for an explanation of your benefits. For women age 40 and above, no authorization is required for annual clinical preventive services from a TRICARE network provider.

Authorization is required if you are under 40 and your provider determines you are "high risk" based on family history of breast cancer or if you seek non-network services. In these cases, TRICARE Prime beneficiaries will need a doctor's order for a mammogram from their primary care provider.
To get the doctor's order, call the appointment line and schedule an appointment for a breast examination (you can also go to TRICARE Online.com). Your provider will do a clinical breast exam and ask pertinent questions like: have you experienced any breast discomfort, felt any lumps or swelling, and are you doing monthly self breast exams? If you aren't sure how to do a monthly self breast exam, this is the perfect time to ask questions or tell your provider about any changes regarding how your breasts look and feel.
After the breast exam is complete, and your PCM has determined that you need a mammogram, the next step is scheduling the mammogram. When the order is written for the mammogram, you will be given the name and telephone number for the mammogram office.

Does the mammogram really hurt?
No, the mammogram examination does not hurt. It is uncomfortable for the few seconds that it takes for the mammography technician to scan the breast. The breast is briefly squeezed between two plates that are attached to the mammogram machine. The entire exam usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once the x-ray is taken, it is read by a radiologist, and the results are forwarded to your primary care provider.

Take care of your breast friends

Yes, it is true; we are nurturers, for everyone else but ourselves.
Take the time to get this very important exam, make it an annual "date with yourself."
I call mine my Brenda day with 10 years and still going! I have my exam and treat myself to lunch, and then go purse shopping. This is the one time my husband doesn't mind seeing his credit card bill.

For more information, please call the Health and Wellness Center at 895-1216.

(Statistical input from the American Cancer Society website
http://www.cancer.org/index)