Every year, five friends from three Nebraska cities trek to Omaha to reunite. To shop. To eat. And to get mammograms.
"It's just part of our routine, part of what we feel we need to do," said Sharon Hansen, the group's ringleader.
Their proactive approach to the screening is recommended among those in the health care industry. Preventive screenings, such as mammograms, can be critical to identifying illnesses early and reducing deaths, experts say.
Knowing this, the friends have made it a point to schedule regular exams on the same day. The group met recently at Alegent Health Lakeside Hospital in Omaha. One by one, the women stepped into a hospital room for their breast cancer screening.
"You're there to support that person if they don't hear good news," Hansen said. "God forbid they find something, we can take care of it. As long as we go yearly, we can catch it, it won't move beyond that stage."
Thankfully, none of the five friends has found reason to worry. Once the screenings are done, they spend the next couple days shopping and catching up.
Patti Higginbotham, a nurse at Alegent's Breast Health Center, said group appointments may help nervous women cope with their fear of negative results. "Most people have known a friend or a neighbor or a relative that has had an experience with breast cancer. Women are reminded of that every year when they go for a mammogram," she explained. "They think, 'I hope I pass my test this year.'"
She said going with a group of friends can help normalize health care and eases anxiety. Whether you make an appointment alone or with friends, Higginbotham said, it's important that women take an active role in their health.
Click on the tabs below to learn more about preventive screenings.
Mammogram
The test: A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and to help tell the difference between noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) disease.
How to prepare for the test: Do not wear deodorant, perfume, powders or ointments under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the mammogram. These substances may hide the images.
Why the test is performed
To screen women for signs of breast cancer. When detected early, breast cancer is more likely to be cured.
To further evaluate an abnormal finding on a mammogram
Frequency
Most doctors recommend women get annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Last fall, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force changed its recommended mammogram schedule to every two years beginning at age 50. Talk with your doctor to discuss which recommendation is best for you.
Women with a mother or sister who had breast cancer should consider yearly mammograms earlier than the age at which their youngest family member was diagnosed.
Abnormal results
A well-outlined, regular, clear spot
Masses or lumps
Dense areas in the breast that can be breast cancer or hide breast cancer
Calcifications, which are caused by tiny deposits of calcium in your breast tissue. Most calcifications are not a sign of cancer.
Note
When mammogram or ultrasound results look suspicious, a biopsy is done to test the tissue and see if it is cancerous.
Tell your health care provider and the radiologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Women at high risk for breast cancer because of BRCA mutations, family history or other factors should have an MRI along with a mammogram every year.
Your doctor may consider other preventative treatments if you are at high risk for breast cancer.
Annual gynecologic checkup
The test: During the pelvic examination, the doctor is able to evaluate the size of the ovaries as well as the contour and mobility of the uterus and to feel for masses and growths.
Why the test is performed: To screen healthy women for signs of ovarian cancer and other pelvic abnormalities. Routine pelvic exams are a reasonable precaution, although they are not a perfect screening method for ovarian cancer.
Frequency: Annually
Abnormal results: A mass felt on pelvic exam. This often requires further evaluation by ultrasound and sometimes requires surgery to make a definitive diagnosis.
Pap smear
Why the test is performed: To screen healthy women for signs of cervical cancer.
Frequency: Many doctors recommend screening should start at age 21 and occur every two years. This fall, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended women get Pap smears once every three years beginning at age 21. Talk with your doctor to discuss which recommendation is best for you.
Abnormal results: If the doctor finds abnormal changes, pieces of tissue from the cervix may be surgically removed (biopsied) and sent to a laboratory for examination.
Note: In June 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine Gardasil, which prevents the two types of HPV infection responsible for most cervical cancer cases. The vaccine appears to prevent early stage cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. Using condoms also reduces the risk of developing HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Bone density testing
Why the test is performed: To detect osteoporosis, the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time.
Frequency: Once every two years, age 60 and older.
Normal results
The results of your test are usually reported as a "T score" and "Z score."
The T score compares your bone density with that of healthy young women.
The Z score compares your bone density with that of other people of your age, gender and race.
In either score, a negative number means you have thinner bones than the standard. The more negative the number, the higher your risk of a bone fracture.
A T score is within the normal range if it is -1.0 or above.
Abnormal results
A T score between -1 and -2.5 indicates the beginning of bone loss (osteopenia).
A T score below -2.5 indicates osteoporosis.
Source: livewellnebraska.com multimedia encyclopedia, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska.
Copyright ©2012 Omaha World-Herald®. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, displayed or redistributed for any purpose without permission from the Omaha World-Herald.
