National Mammography Day 2018: Every year, on the third Friday of October, National Mammography Day coincides with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
This critical day serves as a reminder to all women that early detection is the most effective defense against breast cancer. Mammograms can detect potential abnormalities before any obvious symptoms arise.
According to the CDC, cancer is the second largest cause of death in the United States, with breast cancer being the most commonly diagnosed kind among women. Screenings and breast exams are critical parts of the early detection process.
When scheduling your annual appointment with your doctor, make sure to include a breast exam. Any changes you notice should be reported to your doctor. If there are any indicators of worry, your doctor may recommend additional testing, such as a sonogram or mammography.
Preventative mammography is the first line of defense. Modern mammography shows detailed images of breast tissue. Baseline mammograms are normally recommended at the age of 35 unless family history warrants an earlier screening. This baseline mammography serves as a comparison for future reference. Women above the age of 40 are urged to have preventive mammograms every year.
History of National Mammography Day
Mammography is a diagnostic procedure that uses low-energy X-rays to detect calcification, which is a strong sign of early-stage breast cancer. In the late 1950s, Robert Egan developed a revolutionary approach for screening mammograms. His findings, published in 1959 and reported in the early 1960s in the book “Mammography,” established “The Egan Technique,” which allowed for the detection of hardened lumps in breast tissue.
During a mammogram, the breast is compressed using mammography equipment to standardize the thickness of the breast tissue. This compression lowers stray radiation and motion-induced blurring. Women should avoid wearing deodorant, lotion, or talcum powder during screenings because these items can appear as calcium spots on X-rays. The treatment is frequently reported as harsh or extremely uncomfortable, discouraging some women from returning for further examinations.
Over 3.1 million people in the United States alone have survived cancer thanks to early detection technology such as mammography. Women over the age of 40 should schedule biennial mammograms. Those who are more likely to get breast cancer should receive annual screenings. Heavy smoking, frequent drinking, and a family history of the disease are all risk factors for developing breast cancer. Women can also take proactive actions to lower their risk, including limiting alcohol use, avoiding cigarettes, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet.
National Mammography Day Purpose
National Mammography Day is dedicated to raising public awareness about breast cancer and emphasizing its importance in the ongoing fight against the illness. It urges women, particularly those over 40, to prioritize their health by scheduling frequent mammography appointments. The emphasis on early diagnosis with mammography is critical because it can lead to better treatment outcomes and, ultimately, save lives.
This day emphasizes the significance of self-care and promotes proactive health practices, allowing people to take responsibility for their health. This commemoration, which coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is critical in educating the general public about breast cancer prevention and early detection.
National Mammography Day helps to achieve the larger goal of decreasing the burden of breast cancer on individuals and communities by campaigning for early screening and detection.
Why Do We Need National Mammography Day?
The goal of Mammography Day is to increase awareness about breast cancer screenings, which help detect cancer and other breast-related medical disorders. Celebrating this day can be done in a variety of ways, including using social media to raise awareness, participating in a virtual mammography fundraiser, or creating one yourself. However, the most effective step is to attend or book a mammography screening for yourself or to assist someone else in receiving this critical test.
In accordance with breast cancer defense, the American Cancer Society offers nationwide guidelines to guarantee
Women aged 40 to 44 are given the option of starting annual breast cancer screening.
Women aged 45 to 55 are eligible for yearly breast cancer screenings.
Women over 55 should be screened every two years.
All women must have access to accurate and up-to-date breast cancer information, including associated risks and prevention strategies. The purpose of following these guidelines is to improve overall breast health and outcomes by scheduling timely screenings and making educated decisions.
Things to do on National Mammography Day
Schedule your mammogram.
If you’ve been putting off getting a mammogram, mark October 18 on your calendar. Overcoming anxieties or denial associated with turning 40 is critical. Remember that for every 1,000 women checked, approximately 100 may be asked for further mammograms or ultrasounds. Only about five women are generally diagnosed with breast cancer following a biopsy referral. Even if a mammogram causes alarm, there is a high chance that cancer has not been identified.
Perform a breast self-exam.
Recommit to a monthly self-examination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or nurse practitioner to check that you are utilizing the proper technique. You can also find internet materials, such as photos or infographics, to help you navigate the procedure. Your body demands your care and attention.
Embrace the Pink
Pink represents breast cancer awareness, and National Mammography Day is dedicated to that cause. Wear a pink ribbon with pride, whether in remembrance of a friend or loved one or to promote awareness of breast cancer in general. The seemingly insignificant deed holds great importance for breast cancer survivors, reassuring them that they are not alone on their path.
How to Observe National Mammography Day
Prioritize your breast health by scheduling your annual mammogram on National Mammography Day. Encourage the ladies in your life, emphasizing that all women aged 40 and up should have an annual screening mammography. Locate mammography facilities sponsored by the NBCF for your convenience.
Take the Mammo Pledge to demonstrate your dedication to health with annual mammograms and screenings. Participating in the NBCF Mammo Pledge allows you to join the count, show your support, and commit to yearly screenings.
Learn how to do a proper breast self-exam. It is critical for all adult women, not just those over 40, to undertake a monthly self-exam to maintain breast self-awareness. Familiarize yourself with the normal appearance and feel of your breasts, noting any changes or abnormalities to discuss with your doctor. Make it a monthly ritual.
Help to raise awareness online by discussing the importance of early detection on National Mammography Day via your social media profiles. Use breast cancer statistics visuals from the NBCF visuals Library, which are easily downloaded and shared.
Consider paying it forward on National Mammography Day by donating to help women in need of basic preventative care screenings, such as mammograms. Your support can have a big impact, ensuring that these women get the care and screenings they need.
When is National mammography Day in India?
National Mammography Day is observed on the third Friday in October each year. On National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Uhapo Health Services raises awareness about the importance of early detection and screening for breast cancer.
National Mammography Day is an annual event held on the third Friday in October. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Uhapo Health Services aggressively promotes the importance of early identification and screening in combating breast cancer. The day emphasizes the importance of mammography as an early detection method for breast cancer, allowing abnormalities in breast tissue to be identified before they cause palpable symptoms.
On this day, healthcare organizations, clinics, and breast cancer awareness activists get together to encourage people to schedule mammograms and raise awareness about breast health. Uhapo Health Services organizes a variety of activities, such as free or cheap mammography screenings, educational seminars, and cause-related fundraisers.
National Mammography Day aims to raise awareness of the significance of frequent breast cancer screening and to reduce barriers to mammography access. Recognizing that early identification and rapid treatment significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome in breast cancer patients, the day serves as a poignant reminder for women to prioritize their breast health. It promotes proactive well-being measures, emphasizing the importance of carefully maintaining one’s health.
Who invented mammography?
Leborgne, Gros, Gershon-Cohen and Ingleby
In Pennsylvania, an American working group led by Jacob Gershon-Cohen and the pathologist Helen Ingleby demonstrated the importance of mammography in early detection and published the first standard work on the technique.
The early stories about X-ray technology feature engaging characters who are often described as brilliant and fascinating. Pioneering researchers, motivated by innovative ideas, groundbreaking findings, or personal situations, helped shape the course of X-ray technology. Philip Strax, a radiologist and general practitioner with a modest practice in Manhattan, found his life’s work inspired by a deeply personal experience.
Strax’s world was turned upside down in 1947 when his wife, Bertha Goldberg Strax, was diagnosed with breast cancer and died at the age of 39. This deep loss drove Strax’s determination to devote his life’s work to preventing similar shocks from befalling others, particularly the patients he cared for.
During that time, the method of mammography (derived from the Latin word “mamma,” meaning “breast”) was in its early beginnings. However, the equipment and information available to Strax and his colleagues represented the culmination of decades of research in the field. The quest for mammography breakthroughs was motivated not just by scientific curiosity but also by a strong desire to improve early detection and prevent the tragic effects of breast cancer.
When is the National mammogram Day?
third Friday of October
The significance of National Mammography Day was elevated when, on October 15, 1993, President Bill Clinton issued a proclamation designating the third Friday of October as National Mammography Day. This official recognition further highlighted the importance of breast health.
Breast cancer is the second most frequent malignancy among women, according to the American Cancer Society. Women over the age of 45 who are at moderate risk should have a mammogram every year. National Mammography Day is an important part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, acting as a timely reminder for women to prioritize this screening.
Mammograms are essential for detecting breast cancer early on. Mammograms, like X-rays, can detect indicators of breast cancer before symptoms appear, giving patients the highest chance of a successful intervention at this time.
Completing your yearly screening clarifies the next steps, including whether additional tests such as diagnostic mammography are required. Mammograms have an impact that goes beyond diagnosis; regular screenings help to save lives every day, lowering the risk of dying from breast cancer by 25% to 30%.
When scheduling your screening, consider choosing a day when you are not menstruating. Breast pain or swelling is normal in the week leading up to your period, so picking a different time will help reduce discomfort.
Mammograms are an essential women’s health service for individuals aged 40 and up. This screening helps radiologists discover breast cancer at an early stage. On National Mammography Day, share this vital information with the women in your life, emphasizing the importance of mammograms in breast cancer prevention.
When was mammography created?
The History of mammography began in 1913, when a Berliner surgeon, A. Salomon realized a roentgeno-histological study on 3,000 mastectomies. This work is the basis of mammography.
In recent years, there have been substantial developments in mammographic x-ray equipment, picture recording methods, and viewing circumstances, indicating significant progress in breast imaging. Table 1 (1-7) summarizes key technical breakthroughs and quality control milestones in this field.
Only in the mid-1980s were many X-ray machines used for mammography dedicated to the task. These systems used tungsten target tubes originally designed for general medical imaging, such as chest radiography. Some of these units used improvised compression devices, which resulted in poor breast compression by current standards. Furthermore, several units had large focal spots or close focal spot-to-breast surface distances, resulting in significant geometric blur (unsharpness). Direct exposure (industrial type) x-ray films were commonly used, which required long exposure times and resulted in motion-induced blur and excessive radiation exposure. This era also had poor viewing conditions.
Currently, mammography is performed with dedicated mammographic x-ray equipment. These new units include specially constructed tube targets, smaller focal points, and much-enhanced breast compression devices, among other characteristics. The cassettes and screen-film combinations utilized are specifically designed for mammography, which contributes to higher image quality. Over the years, film processing and viewing conditions have greatly improved. In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first digital mammography machine for clinical use, marking a significant development.
What days are best for mammogram?
Breasts can be tender the week before and during menstruation, so try to schedule your mammogram for one to two weeks after your period starts. We ask women to not wear deodorant, powder, lotion or perfume on the day of their exam as they could show up on the mammogram.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that healthcare professionals use to check for breast cancer and detect abnormalities in breast tissue.
Mammograms are regarded as a helpful test since they aid in the early detection of breast cancer, typically before symptoms appear and up to three years before they may be palpated or otherwise diagnosed. This preventative measure is known as a screening mammography. Healthcare specialists prescribe a diagnostic mammography when new symptoms appear, such as a lump, discomfort, nipple discharge, or changes in breast skin.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and remains one of the leading causes of mortality among women. Despite continued advances in breast cancer treatment, early detection enabled by screening mammography has greatly reduced cancer-related mortality and improved the survival rates of affected people.
National Mammography Day, while lacking in huge parades and lavish feasts, does provide a unique opportunity for something equally remarkable. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to organize a dinner focused on ‘healthy choices,’ inviting your loved ones—whether spouse, friends, or family—to participate in an evening of meaningful conversation and shared awareness?
Gathering around a table dedicated to wholesome, nutritious cuisine provides the foundation for a discussion about the significance of this day. As the aroma of healthful foods fills the air, you might discuss the significance of National Mammography Day and its place in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Consider integrating foods with health advantages, such as leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and lean proteins. These options not only make for a wonderful lunch, but they also fit with the idea of supporting general well-being and preventive healthcare.
During the evening, engage in frank discussions regarding the burden of breast cancer, the necessity of early detection through mammography, and strategies for encouraging regular screenings. Share personal tales, experiences, or insights that may be meaningful to your loved ones, building a sense of community in the pursuit of health.
