As we approach National Mammography Day on Friday, October 20, we at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care could not be more thrilled to join the nation in celebrating this important day dedicated to breast health. This day serves as a reminder of mammograms’ crucial role in early breast cancer detection and the importance of regular breast screenings.

Betty Ford, former First Lady of the United States, played a significant role in raising awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, which contributed to the recognition of National Mammography Day. Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1974. Her openness about her diagnosis and treatment was groundbreaking at the time and helped reduce the stigma surrounding breast cancer. Betty Ford’s decision to share her experience with breast cancer profoundly impacted women across the country, inspiring them to prioritize their own breast health and seek early detection through mammography.

While Betty Ford’s advocacy efforts primarily focused on breast cancer awareness and education, her willingness to discuss her battle with the disease helped pave the way for increased attention to mammography and breast health in the United States. Her actions contributed to the broader movement for breast cancer awareness, eventually leading to National Mammography Day’s establishment and the emphasis on regular mammograms for early detection.

The significance of National Mammography Day was elevated when, on October 15, 1993, President Bill Clinton issued a proclamation designating the third Friday of October as National Mammography Day. This official recognition further highlighted the importance of breast health.

• Mammograms can detect breast cancer before any symptoms appear. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.
• Mammograms help identify factors like breast density, which can impact your breast cancer risk. This information can guide your healthcare provider in creating a personalized breast health plan.
• Regular mammograms provide peace of mind, knowing you are proactively monitoring your breast health.
• Detecting breast cancer at an early stage often requires less aggressive treatment, saving both time and money overall.

Elizabeth Wende Breast Care (EWBC) all seven offices have the latest Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT), sometimes called 3D mammography, providing a more detailed view of breast tissue by capturing multiple images from different angles. This can help reduce false positives and improve the accuracy of breast cancer detection.

On National Mammography Day and throughout the year, we encourage you to prioritize your breast health. Mammograms are vital in detecting breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. Our dedicated healthcare professionals are here to ensure your comfort and answer any questions or concerns about mammography or breast health.

Schedule your mammogram, talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors, and engage in open conversations about breast health with friends and loved ones. Together, we can raise awareness and reduce the impact of breast cancer in our communities.