Mammograms save lives.  We repeat, "Mammograms SAVE LIVES" and it could be YOURS!

Because you are a woman, YOU are at risk for breast cancer.  ALL women are at risk for breast cancer, regardless of race, age, breast size, or family history.  Mammograms can detect lumps when they are too small to be seen or felt.  But, when breast cancer is detected EARLY, there is time to explore more treatment options.  Mammograms can save your breast - and your life.

THAT'S why you should have a mammogram.  And that's why you should ask your mother, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, anunts, and friends to have mammograms, too.  Because you're a woman, you're at risk for breast cancer.

Every year in Arkansas, over 2000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed, each year over 400 Arkansas women will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society.  Sadly, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports fewer American women are getting mammograms while the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammography, with or without clinical breast examination EVERY 1-2 years for women aged 40 OR OLDER.  Unfortunately, Arkansas women seem to fall more into the CDC report findings than the Task Force recommendations!

Arkansas' rate for bienniel mammography in Medicare women ages 52-69 remains at only 56% from October 2004 thru September 2006.  Additionally, Arkansas' rate for biennial mammography in Medicaid women ages 52-69 is even lower and trails performance in other Medicaid programs at only 38% from July 2004 through June 2006.  Union County Medicare rates are 55% and Medicaid rates are 40%.

Won't you invest one hour of one day every year or two for your mammogram?  At a minimum, do a regular breast self-exam once a month in the privacy of your home and immediately report any changes to your SAMA Physician for followup.

For more information on mammography or programs to assist you, click on or call the following:

CDC Division of Cancer Prevention and control

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services National Medicare Mammography Campaign

National Cancer Institute

For financial support and assistance, contact:

Breast Care Program with the Arkansas Dept of Health and Human Services at 501-661-2636

Medicare at 877-650-2362

Medicaid at 800-482-1141

The Witness Project at 800-275-1183

Please don't wait!  Schedule your mammogram at SAMA or a facility of your choice.

                          SAMA - The Right Choice in HealthCare