Utah women encouraged to 'Just Go' get a mammogram

SALT LAKE CITY — When compared with national statistics, women in Utah may have a smaller chance of developing breast cancer, but they are also taking the greatest risk by not going in for the recommended annual mammograms.

The Utah Department of Health recently adopted national guidelines for breast cancer, but went a step further, including women age 40 and older, whereas the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force last year recommended women start receiving mammograms at age 50. Other agencies advocate for clinical breast exams in the younger women, prior to necessitating a mammogram.

"Mammograms can detect cancer an average of one to three years before a woman can feel a lump," said UDOH health program specialist Melanie Wallentine. A new campaign, sponsored by the department and the Utah Cancer Control Program, is being launched locally to encourage more women to "Just Go."

"We're asking women to rearrange some priorities … to take time for this and recognize that this is important as well," Wallentine said. "Instead of going on a luncheon with your mother or your sister, take your mom and take your sister and everyone go get a mammogram together."

The American Cancer Society reports that in the U.S., death rates from breast cancer in women have been declining since 1990, due in part to early detection from mammography screening. More than 60 percent of breast cancers are now being diagnosed at a localized stage, however the advocacy agency also reports that fewer people are heeding recommendations to get screened.

The health department, Wallentine said, works to break down barriers to screening and offers programs to help subsidize the costs of getting a mammogram for women who meet certain income guidelines. Vouchers for free mammograms are also available. Details of the programs are available online, at www.cancerutah.org, or by calling 1-800-717-1811.

"You never know, it might save a life," she said.

National statistics show that Utah boasts the second-lowest incidence rate of breast cancer, but on the state level, it is the most deadly form of cancer for women, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mammography remains the most proven and effective way to detect breast cancer and prevent associated deaths, according to the UDOH. The process continues to be the only readily accessible and relatively affordable method of detection, other than routine self-exams that are less reliable. UDOH recommends that women receive the test every one to two years, emphasizing a regular schedule for appointments.

The USPSTF states that women under 50 should consider the "specific benefits and harms" related to the test when making an individual decision on a potential screening schedule.

While many of the risks related to mammography are largely still unfounded, increased radiation levels is among them, and in certain women (less than 2 percent of the population), compression of small blood vessels in the breasts can promote cancer production, according to the Cancer Prevention Coalition.

Wallentine said, "the greater risk is not getting a mammogram." She is hoping the new action campaign — which includes television, radio, print and online advertisements featuring local women — will spark dialogue among women about the importance of getting screened.

"When detected at an early, localized stage, breast cancer is 99 percent curable," said Dr. Robert Rolfs, UDOH chief medical officer. "That's why regular mammograms are recommended for women over 40, with or without a family history of breast cancer or symptoms."

Research shows that tests optimize survival overall and anyone with questions is encouraged to start a discussion with their health care provider, who will likely consider personal and family health histories before making individual recommendations.

Email:wleonard@ksl.com

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