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Community Corner

Take Pressure Out of Mammograms: Take a Friend

Never had a mammogram? Nervous about it? Take a friend.

Want to have a super cool girls’ night out? How about some wine, snacks, a massage and a mammogram?

Women’s health centers across the nation are offering “mammogram parties” to encourage women to have their breasts checked for abnormalities that could signal cancer. Given a little notice, some of them will even customize an event for a large group.

In Prince George's County, groups of women can sign up for free breast cancer screenings through the county's health department.

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In Lancaster, PA, the “Girls ‘n’ ‘Grams” event on Oct. 13 will feature food, gifts, mini-facials, makeovers, foot massages, shopping and, of course, mammograms. Around the country, participants in these events are trading work clothes for plush robes and cocktails, offering support to other women to take a bit of the chill out of the annual mammogram.

“Anything that encourages women to get screening tests is a great idea,” said Susan Brown, a director of health education with the Susan G. Komen foundation.

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National Mammography Day is Oct. 21. The date serves as a reminder to schedule a mammogram with a friend, sister, coworker or group of women. Test your knowledge of mammograms with this quiz.

“Mammography is an easy test that can save your life,” said Dr. Dahlia Sataloff, director of The Integrated Breast Cancer Center at Penn Hospital. “Why wouldn’t you do it?”

Tips for when you go from the American Cancer Society:

  • Everyone must have doctor’s order for a mammogram and money to pay or proof of insurance. Some places offering freebies have age restrictions (40 plus).
  • Bring any past scans or dates and provider phone numbers for previous mammograms, biopsies, etc.
  • Don’t wear deodorant, lotion, cream or powder as these things could interfere with a clear mammogram.
  • The best time to go is one week after menstrual cycle ends—especially for women with tender breasts.
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