Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women and mostly found in women 50 years old and over. About 10 percent of breast cancer is found in women 45 years of age and younger. Some women are at higher risk for breast cancer, no matter their age. One risk factor is a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. A breast cancer history in a first-degree relative (mother, sister, and/or daughter) is an example of another risk factor.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines symptoms. Signs “can include any change in the size or the shape of the breast, pain in any area of the breast, nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood), and a new lump in the breast or underarm. If you have any signs that worry you, see your doctor right away.” A detailed list of symptoms can be found at www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/symptoms.htm.
Over the past few years, breast cancer screening guidelines have changed. Professional organizations now differ in the screening they suggest. Screening changes if a woman is at average risk for breast cancer or at higher risk. The many differences can leave any woman confused as to how to move forward with breast cancer screening. Talking with your medical provider is the best way to sort out all of the differences.
Carson City Health and Human Services follows the U.S. Preventive Task Force Guidelines. Thus, CCHHS recommends women 50 to 74 get a screening mammogram every two years. This same task force recommends women 40 to 49 talk with their healthcare provider. Then, you can review your individual risk and mammogram screening schedule.
Most insurances and Medicaid cover mammogram screening ordered by your doctor. For uninsured women who meet age and income criteria, there is a program called Women’s Health Connection. Women’s Health Connection is a breast and cervical cancer detection program. This program links women with screening and follow-up care.
To defray the cost of mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies for women of any age, Carson City Health and Human Services also partners with Soroptimist International of Carson City. Call our clinic at 775-887-2195 for more information. Nevada Health Centers offers a monthly Mammovan that offers mammograms to women 40 years and older. Call 877-581-6266, Option 1, to make an appointment and to see if you qualify for a free or reduced-cost mammogram. The Mammovan schedule of dates and locations can be found at https://www.nevadahealthcenters.org/mammography/.
For additional resources and information about Carson City Health and Human Services programs and services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org, “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cchhs, follow us on Twitter @CCHealthEd, call us at 775-887-2190, or visit us at 900 E. Long St., in Carson City.