Maui Health Medical Minute: 9 reasons not to skip your mammogram

Maui Health Mammography Technicians. PC: Maui Health

Maui Health Medical Minute is sponsored content. This article was written by Kelly Combs, Director of Imaging Services at Maui Health.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but thanks to early detection and improved treatments, more women are surviving than ever before. This October, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re addressing the 9 most common reasons women put off scheduling their mammogram.

1. I’m too busy.

It only takes a few minutes to schedule an appointment. The mammogram itself takes 15-20 minutes. You deserve to take that time for something that could save your life!

2. I don’t have insurance or can’t afford it.

There are options available if you’re uninsured or underinsured.

3. I’m not considered high-risk.

Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer don’t have a family history or known genetic risk factors.

4. I do self-exams.

Doing a self-exam is not a substitute for a screening mammogram. Mammograms can detect cancer even before you can feel a lump.

5. It won’t make a difference.

Catching cancer early significantly increases your chance of survival. You’re also less likely to need aggressive treatment.

6. It’s scary.

Getting a regular mammogram will help your doctor identify harmless breast features, like cysts or dense breast tissue, making it easier to spot more concerning changes in the future.

7. My past mammograms were normal.

Getting regular mammograms means your doctor can look for changes from year to year and spot cancer at the earliest stages.

8. I have breast implants.

Your technician will position your breast implants so the scanner can take a clear and accurate image of your breast tissue.

9. It’s uncomfortable.

Maui Memorial Medical Center’s state-of-the-art 3D mammography system provides scans in just four seconds, and we provide soft Bella Blanket coverlets, to help keep discomfort to a minimum.

Read more about the 9 most common reasons women put off having a mammogram.

If you’ve skipped your mammogram in the past, it’s not too late to catch up. Talk with your doctor about screening guidelines or call 808-243-3012 for an appointment today.