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Guard Against Breast Cancer
Arkansas survivors talk about mammograms
Why should I have a mammogram?
Because you’re a woman, and you’re at risk for breast cancer. That’s right: All women are at risk for breast cancer, regardless of race, age, breast size or family history.
Mammograms can detect lumps when they are too small to be seen or felt. But, when breast cancer is detected early, there is time to explore more treatment options. Mammograms can save your breast — and your life.
THAT’S why you should have a mammogram. And that’s why you should ask your mother, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, aunts and friends to have mammograms, too. Because we’re women, and we’re at risk for breast cancer.
What is a mammogram? 
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast. Mammograms can show breast cancer long before you or your doctor can feel it.
What happens when you get a mammogram?
Mammograms take only a few seconds. You will stand in front of a large X-ray machine and place your breast between two plastic plates. The two plates will press your breast to flatten it. This may be uncomfortable for just a few seconds, but it is necessary to get a clear picture of your breast. Usually two or more pictures will be taken of each breast, but it happens very quickly.
If anything unusual shows up on your mammogram, you should be contacted within a few days. If you have not heard anything within 10 days, call your doctor or the clinic to check on the results. Never assume that everything is OK just because you haven’t received the results.
How can I pay for my mammogram?
Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans cover mammograms. If you are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid and can't get private insurance, a program called BreastCare may be able to help you. Call 1-877-670-CARE (1-877-670-2273) for more information.
What else can I do?
Ask your doctor to examine your breasts by hand. Also, learn to
do breast self-examination (BSE). Your doctor can show you how.
Do BSE at the same time every month, and if you feel or see anything
unusual, see your doctor right away.The Bottom Line: No excuse is a good
one. 
Talk to your doctor, and get regular mammograms, on time every time. Women 40 or older need to have them every year, and some should start earlier. Talk to other women you care about — your mom, sister, daughter or good friend — and tell them they should get mammograms, too.
This material was prepared by Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC) under contracts with the Arkansas Department of Human Services' Division of Medical Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect their policies.