National Mammography Day

As part of the larger observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this event is specifically set aside to act as a reminder for women age 40, or those who have certain risk factors, to talk to their doctors about scheduling a mammogram.

Because most incidences of breast cancer happen as women age, National Mammography Day calls attention to the important preventative and life-saving practice of having regular mammograms, especially for women age 40 and up.

History of National Mammography Day

The initial celebration of National Mammography Day dates back more than 30 years. The event was proclaimed by US President Bill Clinton in October 1993 and has been celebrated annually since then.

Recognizing that the threat of breast cancer can touch every community or family, the official recognition of this day brings to light the importance of breast health.

A number of different non-profit organizations, government agencies, health care professionals and universities have gotten involved with observing National Mammography Day, including the CDC, the Breast Cancer Foundation, and many others.

As technology has improved over the years, more and more women with breast cancer are able to get early diagnoses that allow them to have treatments that help them to beat cancer. And that’s a big win for everyone!

How to Celebrate National Mammography Day

While this certainly isn’t most women’s favorite thing to put on their calendars, National Mammography acts as a vital reminder to practice preventative health care!

Consider some of these important activities for participating in the day:

Schedule a Mammogram

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women who are aged 40 or over are advised to speak to their doctor about scheduling a mammogram every one to two years.

In addition, women who are under the age of 40 who have a family history of breast cancer should talk to their doctor about whether it’s a good idea to begin even earlier.

While breast cancer is less common among younger women, it is stil a possibility and preventative care should be taken.

Learn Important Facts About Mammography

An excellent way to get more involved with cancer prevention and awareness is to become informed about the process of mammography.

Learn more and share with other women to promote National Mammography Day, getting started with some of these facts:

• Mammograms are a type of low-dose x-ray that creates images of the inside of the breast
• With only a tiny amount of radiation, mammograms are considered to be safe
• For many women, the process of having a mammogram may be uncomfortable but is an important tool for cancer prevention
• If a “screening” mammogram reveals concerns, a follow-up mammogram will likely be requested

Report Breast Changes to a Doctor

As an important part of breast health, women are encouraged to know their own bodies and recognize if changes take place.

While every woman’s breasts are different and they may change throughout her monthly cycle, other changes may be an indicator of breast cancer and might require a mammogram.

Some doctors recommend women perform regular monthly breast self-exams to help them stay apprised on their own breast health.

In honor of National Mammography Day, consider some of these things to look for and talk to the doctor about:

• Appearance of a lump, change in size or shape of one breast
• Skin changes in the breast, such as a rash, puckering, dimpling or redness
• Fluid leaking from the nipple (if not pregnant or breastfeeding) 

Raise Awareness About Breast Cancer

While breast cancer is typically thought of as an issue with women, some people don’t realize that men can also get breast cancer.

One way to stay connected with National Mammography Day is to get informed about this and other facts related to breast cancer, and share it with the local community or sphere of influence to raise awareness about the day.

Consider some of these other facts about breast cancer in honor of National Mammography Day:

• Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, behind skin cancers
• Mammography technology has helped to reduce the incidences of breast cancer mortality in the US by approximately 40% since 1990
• If caught early, the rate for successful treatment of breast cancer is over 90%
• Mammography screening cuts the risk of dying from breast cancer by approximately 50%

Some of the other events at Days of the Year that promote health and cancer awareness include National Breast Cancer Awareness Month all throughout October, Purple Bra Day on September 18, and Cancer Prevention Action Week in mid-February.