The #1 way to survive breast cancer

  • Published
  • By Shari Lopatin
  • TriWest Healthcare Alliance
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes according to information from Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Every 13 minutes, a woman will die from this disease. Yet, more than two million survivors of breast cancer are living in the U.S. today. Do you know what that means?

Even if you've been diagnosed, there is still hope.

Mammograms save lives and TRICARE covers them.

The sooner you detect breast cancer, the better your chance of survival. A mammogram is one of the best ways to detect it early enough for successful treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say having regular mammograms can lower your risk of dying from breast cancer.

Remember to follow up with your doctor for a clinical breast exam and continue your monthly self-exams.

TRICARE covers mammograms for women starting at age 40. For those considered at high risk for breast cancer, TRICARE begins covering mammograms at 35 years old. Best of all, these screening mammograms are at no cost to you.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in American women other than skin cancer, according to the CDC. So, what are some of the earliest warning signs?

Early warning signs of breast cancer include:

· A new lump in the breast or armpit.

· Thickening or swelling of the breast.

· Nipple discharge, other than breast milk, including blood.

· Change in size or shape of the breast.

· Pain in any area of the breast.

If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately.

Where can you get your mammogram?

Your doctor can give you some options where you can conveniently get a mammogram. The closest option is the Women's Imaging Center at David Grant USAF Medical Center or a local imaging center sometimes these are called radiology centers. To have a mammogram at no cost, make sure that:

· The mammography center is TRICARE-authorized.

· The patient is on TRICARE Prime, the mammography center is in the TRICARE
network. A referral is needed from a primary doctor.

For more information on breast cancer prevention, visit TriWest.com/Prevention.