Health Plan of San Joaquin | Focus Your Health | Fall 2019

6 Focus Your Health Get the facts about breast cancer The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends biennial mammography for women ages 50 to 74. If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about when to start testing. If you are under 50, discuss with your doctor when and how often to get a mammogram. Finding breast cancer early by mammography leads to more health care choices. Common myths we hear in our community: Take time to take care of yourself! Knowing the truth about a mammogram can save your life or the life of someone you love. A mammogram may be uncomfortable, but the slight pressure you may feel for a few moments is better than the pain that breast cancer may cause. hpsj.com/iChooseMe | 888.936.PLAN (7526) , TTY/TDD: 711 HealthReach 1107 Myth Fact Only women get breast cancer. Men and women can get breast cancer. I have small breasts and I don’t need a mammogram. Cancer cells can spread to any breast size. A woman has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. Only some ethnic groups can get breast cancer. Any woman can get breast cancer no matter the ethnic group. Since I have no family history of breast cancer I won’t get it. All women can get breast cancer whether they have a family history or not. My age determines my chances of getting breast cancer. Age does not determine when you get breast cancer, though there is a higher risk with certain age groups. I don’t need a mammo- gram unless I feel a lump. Don’t wait until you have a lump to get a mammogram done. About 75% of people with breast cancer do not have any signs such as lumps. Mammograms cause cancer. This test uses very little doses of radiation. It is used to detect breast cancer early.