Have you received the letter? The one that says you are “overdue?” The one that says it’s been more than a year since your last mammogram? It may feel like nagging, but really it’s just that this is an appointment too important to miss, and too often it is pushed off.
The reason why doctors are so diligent about reminding women is that in any given year, only 50 percent of women aged 40 to 85 have this quick test that can reveal breast cancer when it is most treatable. It’s simple. The earlier you find the disease, the better the outcome.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women get a mammogram every year after age 40. This gives your doctor the information needed to monitor your health and to watch for concerns.
So why put it off? There are many reasons. We get busy. We forget. We’re afraid of the results. We’re nervous about the exam.
None of these reasons, valid or not, is a good excuse to not take care of yourself. You deserve better than that. You deserve the best care available and that means knowing if you have breast cancer as early as possible. That’s why your doctor sends out those letters. Because you are important. If you’ve haven’t gotten your mammogram, take charge of your health and make the appointment now.
We’ve made it easy at ella health with online appointment requests. We appreciate that you’ve got a full schedule, so we won’t keep you waiting, and we’ll give you results within one business day. Plus, we’ll take good care of you when you are here with soft cloth robes, private changing rooms, heated exam rooms and friendly staff who will answer all your questions and help you with any concerns.
If you know someone who has been putting off this exam, let them know you care. Sometimes all they need is a gentle push from a friend.
Ella Health 