Mammograms do not prevent breast cancer, but they can save lives by detecting it early.
According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2020 (in the United States) 1,806,590 cases of cancer were diagnosed. Sadly, 606,520 people died from the disease. The most common causes were: breast cancer, lung cancer, followed by prostate cancer, colorectal cancer and melanoma (or skin cancer).
Being breast cancer the one that is in the first places that affect women; it is also one of those that can be prevented (or saved the patient’s life) if detected early. Because of that, Nevada Health Centers is touring the “Silver State” with its mobile mammography unit, better known as the “Mammovan”.
“The famous ‘Mammovan’ began operating in 2000, and was made possible by a grant sponsored by former Republican Senator John Ensign and former First Lady Dema Guinn. Since then, the mobile mammography unit has traveled to different areas of Nevada, to perform mammograms on women without health insurance and those who are geographically isolated and cannot go to a doctor to perform them ”, explained to El Tiempo, Carrie Tallman, spokeswoman for Nevada Health Centers, adding that “early detection is a key element in the fight against breast cancer. However, there are many factors that stop many women from having them (mammograms). For example, many are ashamed to see their breasts, others are afraid of feeling pain, and there are also some who are afraid during a mammogram. And finally, another factor is due to the lack of medical insurance or the money to pay it ”.
Regarding all these issues -or factors- the spokeswoman asserted that “that is why we want to educate the community and break down those barriers that stop them from having a mammogram.”
Tallman stated that the people who perform the examinations are professionals and perform mammograms with the greatest possible respect so that the patient does not feel fear or shame; and also stressed that the procedure is not painful. He also specified that if people do not have health insurance, mammography can be performed at no cost.
“It is very important that women aged 40 and over take advantage of the services of this mobile mammography unit,” said the director of the program.
Some women are uncertain about the risks of radiation exposure from a mammogram. But experts have found that modern mammograms only use a miniscule amount of radiation, even less than a traditional chest X-ray.
“It is important that women 40 years of age or older undergo an annual mammogram for timely detection and if there is a family history of breast cancer, then they should start from the age of 35,” the spokesperson recommended, emphasizing that ” has shown that early detection of breast cancer using a mammogram; it has also meant that more women undergoing breast cancer treatment can keep their breasts if found in the early stages. Because on many occasions localized cancer can be removed without the need for a mastectomy ”.
To schedule or change your mammogram appointment, call (877) 581-6266 option # 1.
To obtain a copy of your results or medical records, call (877) 581-6266 option # 2.
You can also visit www.nevadahealthcenters.org to check the places and dates where the “Mammovan” will be in the next few weeks.
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