Mammogram, Ma'am

In the final season of Murphy Brown, the journalist gets a mammogram because she's behind on screenings. That's when she finds out she has breast cancer and undergoes a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.

While we can't be sure if it's because of the show, lead actress Candice Bergen said there was a 30% increase in the number of women getting mammograms that year.

Maybe you don't have a character who inspires you to stay up-to-date on screenings, but there are other women in our lives we can use as examples. We know some ladies who go every year on their birthdays. That's hard to forget, right?

And while a mammogram may not be your favorite experience, it is important to get regular screenings because 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer in her lifetime.

In fact, the American Cancer Society reports breast cancer is the most common cancer among women after skin cancer, and they estimate there will be 310,720 new cases in women in 2024.

Whether you have a family history of cancer or not, there are ways to lower your risks, such as:

Being physically active. Research shows that women who exercise regularly are 10% less likely to develop breast cancer before they reach menopause. That's why it's important to maintain at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly.

Conducting self-exams. If you menstruate, it's best to do your breast exam monthly on the week after your period ends. Lie on your back with a pillow under your shoulder and your hand behind your head. Use the middle fingers of your other hand to gently press down on your breast in a circular motion to search for lumps, knots and any changes in skin texture.

Limiting alcohol consumption. Women who consume over the recommended one-drink-per-day limit are at higher risk for breast cancer. One study found that overuse of alcohol could increase cancer risks by as much as 51%.

Maintaining a healthy weight. This is especially true after menopause and if your body mass index is 35 or higher. One journal reported that being overweight led to as much as a 40% increased risk of breast cancer recurrence and death.

Scheduling regular screenings. The American College of Radiology recommends that average-risk people schedule annual mammography screenings at age 40. However, your doctor may recommend a different schedule starting as early as age 25 if you have dense breasts, a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.

As of September, screenings results also include breast density information. Around 50% of women have dense breast tissue, which can increase risks for breast cancer and make it harder to see on a mammogram.

Remember, early detection increases a woman's chance of surviving breast cancer, but you should also discuss the risks and benefits of mammograms with your provider before establishing a screening schedule. That includes what to do if you have dense breasts.

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