WRNMMC, Bethesda, MD  –   National Mammography Day is observed the third Friday of October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also held annually in October. Both observances are committed to raising awareness about breast health and so is Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s (WRNMMC) Chief of Staff, Navy Capt. Kelley Elmore.
Recently, Elmore documented her mammography journey, sharing its importance and personal story on what led her to getting her first mammogram at an early age.
“I’ve been receiving mammograms since the age of 35, shared Elmore. “It started with me finding a nodule after performing my own breast exam.”
Elmore said initially she’d thought it was only a cyst and she’d be fine, but her friend who’s a breast surgeon said, “No, we’re not playing that, you’re going to get your mammogram.”
Although nothing came of the initial mammogram following Elmore’s breast exam, she shared “I’m glad to have had the support to encourage me to go in for that mammogram,” and encourages all women to either start or continue making mammogram appointments and perform breast self-exams.
According to Elmore, early detection means early treatment and the difference between life and death which is why National Mammography Day is set aside separately, to encourage women to take the time to make their mammogram appointments.
Annual screening mammograms are recommended by both the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology and Elmore said when to start mammogram screenings can be confusing but there are factors that would dictate when women would receive a mammogram before the age of 40.
“There may be differing guidelines across medical organizations, but it’s universally supported that early detection saves lives,” shared Elmore. “There are times where a woman may be screened earlier than the age of 40, and that could be due to family history and what’s observed during breast exams conducted by a provider or breast exams we conduct on ourselves.”

Elmore went on to share that education and awareness of personal risk factors play a big part in early detection.

“I understand the hesitation surrounding mammogram screenings,” said Elmore. “Understandably so and the hesitation could be because of fear of radiation, discomfort or even both. It could also be the fear of learning they have breast cancer, and this is why education about breast cancer, when women should begin screenings and the advantage of early detection is so important.”

When it comes to breast health and early detection, the “good news” according to a blog post shared on Office on Women’s Health website with information from the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer (cancer that has not spread outside the breast) is 99 percent. For those whose cancer has spread outside the breast to nearby structures or lymph nodes, the survival rate is 86 percent.

“This information shows us that early detection makes a difference,” shared Elmore. “If women are eligible and have not started receiving mammogram screenings, please don’t be afraid.”

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 240,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. annually, with nearly 42,000 women dying from the disease every year. Breast cancer tend to be found in women over 50, but it also affects younger women and some men.

National Mammography Day may have passed, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month may be wrapping up, but Elmore says breast cancer doesn’t discriminate.

“Breast cancer is often synonymous with women, but no one’s exempt,” Elmore said. “So, make sure to self-check your breast tissue regularly, regardless of gender.”

Breast cancer symptoms aren’t one size fits all, still making it important to be screened even if symptoms aren’t presented.

Symptoms of breast cancer can include change in the size or shape of the breast; pain in any area of the breast; nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood; and a new lump in the breast or underarm.

Learn more about risks, symptoms, screenings, and diagnosis here: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/CDC webpage