Each year, thousands of North Carolina women are diagnosed with breast cancerAccording to the Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the state. Having a mammogram can help detect this type of cancer early, define a treatment with an oncologist and save your life.
Breast cancer is a disease highly prevalent in North Carolina. Women who reside in the state have a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
Among Latinas and according to report According to the most up-to-date information available in the state on cancer in minorities, as of 2017, at least 124 Latinas died from breast cancer in the state. It is the third most common cause of death after lung cancer and colon cancer.
For this reason, it is crucial that women of all races and ethnicities get breast cancer screenings. Mammograms are the most recommended test, and there are several options for getting free mammograms in North Carolina.
Free mammograms in North Carolina
El North Carolina Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) offers free or low-cost breast cancer screening and monitoring.
To find a BCCCP provider call 919-707-5300.
You can also check FreeMammograms.org where you will find a list of clinics with alternatives for free or very low-cost mammograms in more than 80 cities in North Carolina.
These mammogram clinic alternatives are especially helpful for Latina women who don't have health insurance like Medicaid in North Carolina.
Mammograms: How to detect breast cancer?
As the NCDHHS points out, mammograms are the best method for detecting breast cancer early. Early detection is when it is easiest to treat and before it is large enough to be felt or cause symptoms.
Mammograms are simple x-rays of the breast. Scientific studies have shown that having regular mammograms can reduce the risk of dying from this disease.
However, the frequency with which mammograms are recommended depends on several variables.
At what age should you have your first mammogram?
According to the recommendations of the US Preventive Services Task Force, it is suggested that women begin to do the mammography from 40 years of age.
In general, oncologists specializing in the treatment of breast cancer recommend that women between 50 and 74 years old have a mammogram every 1 or 2 years.
But it is always essential to consult with the doctor to take into account other factors besides age when having a mammogram.
Important for Latin women: If you go to a government clinic or hospital and you don't speak English, You have the right to request simultaneous translation.
What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease whose development can be influenced by a variety of risk factors.
Some of the most common are the following:
- Sex – simply being a woman
- Age – The risk of breast cancer increases with age. It's recommended to have your first mammogram at this age.
- Early Menarche – Being 12 years old at the start of your first menstruation
- Late Menopause – Being over 50 years old at the onset of menopause
- Reproductive factors – never having given birth (nulliparity) or having had children at an advanced age; being over 30 years old at the time of the first birth
- Personal or family history of breast cancer
- Overweight
- Genetic predisposition, such as certain mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
Important: Present one or more risk factors does not mean necessarily that the woman will eventually develop breast cancer. Self-examination and having a mammogram regularly are preventive measures that can allow a timely diagnosis to address early breast cancer treatment.
>>> Project Hope: free mammograms in North Carolina
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Such as indicate According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early breast cancer does not usually cause pain. In fact, when breast cancer first appears, it may not present any symptoms. But as the cancer grows, it can cause changes that women should watch for:
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast, or in the axillary area: 50% of these masses are found in the upper outer quarter of the breast.
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast.
- Abnormal nipple discharge.
- A change in the color, feel, or texture of the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple (dimpling, wrinkling, or peeling).
What happens if the mammogram results are abnormal?
If you find a suspicious area through testing after going to a mammography clinic, you may be recommended to have additional mammograms or an ultrasound, see a medical oncologist, or undergo a biopsy.
About 10% of women who have a mammogram will need more tests, and most of them only need an additional mammogram.
We know that getting a mammogram for the first time can be stressful. Here you can see a video with what you need to know.
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I need to take a mammogram, I don't have health insurance, I'm 65 years old
Good night Martha. We appreciate you contacting us. There are different clinics that offer breast exams for free and without the need for health insurance. Several of them can be found in the links on the page. If you prefer that we send you information, please tell us what area you are in so we can locate the clinic closest to you. If it is more convenient for you, you can write to me at luis@enlacelatino.org.
I need to get a mammogram. I'm 50 years old and I don't have insurance.
Good afternoon Gloria, thank you for sharing your concern with us. In it FreeMammograms.org website You can access a list divided by regions in North Carolina in which there are clinics that offer free mammograms, it is not necessary to have health insurance. When entering the site you must select the state in which you are located, the page will present the clinic options for the selected state, choose the one closest to your location and contact the clinic to request the necessary information, since you may need to schedule an appointment in advance.
I hope the information is useful.
Best regards 🙂