It’s Time for a Breast Check
When’s the last time you had your breasts checked? If you’re like many women, it’s been too long. Many of us put routine checkups and appointments on hold during the height of the Covid 19 pandemic. As a result, new research shows there is a delay in cancer diagnoses—including breast cancer—across the United States and the rest of the world. This delay is especially widespread in low-income groups. But regular breast cancer screenings—both self-breast exams and mammograms—are no less important than they were before Covid hit two and a half years ago. With National Breast Cancer Awareness month coming up in October, the best time to schedule your next breast screening is now.1
Why is breast cancer screening important?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the largest cause of cancer death. Breast examination and breast cancer screening are key to finding breast cancer early when it can still be treated.
Why should I get a breast cancer screening?
You should conduct breast self-exams and schedule regular breast cancer screenings with your health care provider because they can detect breast cancer early, before it spreads. The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all women ages 50-74 get a mammogram every two years.2 In Canada, the recommendation for women 50-74 is to get breast imaging every two to three years. If you are between the ages of 40 and 49, you should discuss your risk for breast cancer and whether you should undergo breast cancer screening with your doctor.
In Australia, BreastScreen Australia recommends women 50-74 get a mammogram every two years. All breast screens are free for women over 40.3 In New Zealand, BreastScreen Aotearoa recommends women 45-69 get a mammogram every two years, and breast screening is free for women without symptoms.4
Benefits of Breast Cancer Screening
Breast imaging in the form of a mammograms helps to find cancer early, so it’s easier to treat and has a better outcome. It’s also important to do regular breast self-exams between imaging tests.
We at Curves are all about women, and in the spirit of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage all our members and their mothers, sisters, and friends to visit their health care provider for a breast check.
Curves is also a proud supporter of The American Cancer Society, The Canadian Cancer Society, and Look Good Feel Better New Zealand (LGFB NZ) as part of our Curves Cares Program. This program helps support women dealing with cancer and raises money for vital research and support programs to create a future without breast cancer.
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