WOMEN, 35 years and older, are being urged to get a mammogram as the country marks World Mammography Day, today.
As part of the day's activities, as well as for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Jamaica Cancer Society is inviting women who have never done the exam, or who have not done a mammogram within the last year, to visit its offices or go to the Port Authority of Jamaica in Newport West, Kingston, to have a mammogram.
"If she is 40 and she has had one done this year, she needs not have one done tomorrow but, if you are 35 and over and have never had one, we are appealing to people in that age group to come in and have that first screening," said Yvonne Watson, manager of the Cancer Society's mammography unit.
BREAST X-RAY
A mammogram is a breast X-ray. The equipment used can detect very small lumps in the breasts. It has been said that lumps as small as a pin's head can be detected by a mammogram. Mammograms are recommended once every year for women older than 40.
The mammograms will be done at a reduced cost, amounting to $2,000. Ms. Watson said though that the Cancer Society would not withhold screenings if persons do not have all the money, and would even work out a payment plan with those who need it.
The Cancer Society will also extend its opening hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today. It will also have a mobile unit stationed in the parking lot of the Port Authority of Jamaica.
Ms. Watson encouraged women who live outside of Kingston to visit one of screening centres located islandwide.
"Everybody doesn't have to come here, but we would love to do about 100 women tomorrow, so we are inviting as well persons who probably had a mammogram done and never came back and who are over age 40 to come again. Once is not enough," she said.
The latest mortality statistics from the Jamaica Cancer Society Registry showed that 1,231 Jamaican women died from cancer in 1999, 291 or 23.6 per cent of whom had breast cancer.
Other activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month include the Keeping Abreast Luncheon, which will be held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, on October 23. The month's activities will climax with a Candlelight Vigil on Sunday, October 27.
