Health Plan of San Joaquin | Focus Your Health | Fall 2020

8 F ocus Your Health Get the facts about breast cancer The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammography for women ages 50 to 74 every two years. 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 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/womens-health 888.936.PLAN ( 7526 ); TTY/TDD: 711 HealthReach 1107 Myth Fact Only women get breast cancer. Men can get breast cancer too. I have small breasts, so 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. Anyone can get breast cancer, no matter the ethnic group. Since I have no family history of breast cancer, I won’t get it. Anyone 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 small doses of radiation to detect breast cancer. It does not cause cancer.