Baycare On Breast Cancer Awareness

Getting a mammogram is a winwin. However, we understand just reading the word mammogram can be unsettling. Read on to hear from our survivors, get the facts on mammograms, and learn how the team at BayCare makes it simple to keep our breast health #INOURHANDS

FOLD OUT TO LEARN MORE.

THERE’S STRENGTH IN KNOWING.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP.

Whether it’s fear of the results or the screening itself, fear keeps us from talking to our doctors and scheduling a mammogram. But in reality, there is nothing to be afraid of.

In the fight against breast cancer, BayCare offers comprehensive care throughout a woman’s journey with breast cancer from screening and diagnosis to surgery, treatment, and support. Our radiologists, mammography technicians and pathologists specialize in the diagnosis of breast cancer and work together with our oncologists, breast surgeons and plastic surgeons to tailor a treatment plan unique to each patient. Some of our services include:

MYTH

1

“A MAMMOGRAM WILL EXPOSE ME TO AN UNSAFE LEVEL OF RADIATION.” Although mammography does involve the use of radiation, the dose used is about the same amount of radiation a woman is exposed to in her natural surroundings over the course of 7 weeks.

Furthermore, there has never been a case of breast cancer that has been proven to be caused by mammogram radiation exposure.

MYTH

2

“MAMMOGRAMS ARE PAINFUL.” Of course everyone’s pain thresholds are different. But most women describe the “pain” as just a temporary discomfort. To avoid sensitivity, schedule your mammogram for just after your menstrual cycle.

MYTH

3

“FINDING A LUMP IN YOUR BREAST MEANS YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER.” If you notice an abnormal change to your breast, don’t panic. Only a small number of breast lumps turn out to be cancer. Nobody knows your body better than you so it is important to establish an open line of communication with your doctor if you find something out of the ordinary.

For more even more Mammo Myths, get the facts at ItsInOurHands.org.

Screening and Diagnostic Mammography (3D) Breast Ultrasound Breast MRI Biopsy Breast and Plastic Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation Therapy Support Groups

BUT DON’T JUST TAKE IT FROM US. Meet some women in our community who’ve faced their fears head on by putting their health in their hands with BayCare. They are survivors and these are their stories.

“YOUR LIFE REALLY STARTS TO CHANGE AND IT BECOMES A WHIRLWIND. BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A TORNADO. YOU CAN STILL CONTROL THINGS.” Story: Robbie’s family didn’t have a history of breast cancer. So when she received her diagnosis, it blew her away. “Cancer just sucked the wind out of me. And, literally a few times it literally knocked me down on my knees. But you know what? You have to get back up.” With the team at Morton Plant Hospital, Robbie stood strong and is now cancer-free. “I think now what I want to do is encourage other people.

I want to live in a world where we put cancer in the same category when we’re speaking of it as polio. That’s something we used to have but we’ve irradiated it now. It’s no longer a threat.”

“[MAMMOGRAMS] REALLY AREN’T AS BAD AS EVERYONE SAYS THEY ARE.” Story: During a routine mammogram, Bonnie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She sought out her BayCare surgeon at Morton Plant and took advantage of our support groups to help her through this tough time. Bonnie is a survivor and an advocate for how important it is to get your mammograms. “I’m like the poster goddess for go out there and get your annual mammogram. My chances of survival are just exponentially higher because of the early detection.”

BREAST CANCER’S WORST FEAR IS YOU. GIVE BREAST CANCER NOWHERE TO HIDE. A diagnosis is a scary thought. Not knowing is even scarier. That’s why BayCare offers screening mammograms at convenient locations throughout Tampa Bay. Our breast health is #InOurHands.

Talk to your doctor about scheduling your screening mammogram and visit ItsInOurHands.org.

17-186651-0917