I have a mammogram scheduled this week.

I put off making the appointment for quite some time. I don’t think any woman enjoys being prodded, pushed and squeezed into the examining equipment. But let’s face it, making the appointment is one of the best gifts she can give herself. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

The National Cancer Institute tells us the five-year survival rate is 100 percent if it is caught in stage 1 so it’s very important to get screened regularly.

Some now recommend that women who are not at high risk for breast cancer start getting mammograms at age 50 instead of 40. But many experts, including the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, say mammograms should still begin at age 40. If you have a parent, sibling or child who has developed breast cancer, you should begin even sooner - usually 10 years earlier than the youngest family case.

A doctor or nurse should examine your breasts as part of a periodic health exam, preferably every three years for women age 20-30 and every year for women over 40. Experts no longer recommend monthly self-exams, but women are encouraged to be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel and promptly report any changes to their doctor.

Don’t panic if you find a lump. About 80 percent of breast biopsies find they are fatty deposits or other non-cancerous mass.

Although our local hospital is no longer equipped to offer mammograms, Ozarks Community Hospital health care employees recommend the Mercy Breast Center in Bentonville.Hospitals there and in Siloam Springs do routine mammograms and a mobile mammography unit visits the Southwest City, Mo., community clinic each month.

I’m concerned that in today’s tough economic times women may avoid needed health tests because of the expense. This is not wise, for delaying treatment of a disease until it is in its advanced stages usually only results in more expense.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and many clinics offer reduced prices on mammograms then and during a person’s birth month. The Breast Care unit of the Arkansas Department of Health offers free mammograms, clinical breast exams and Pap smears for women aged 40-64 who qualify. Call 1-877-670-2273 for information.

This month’s issue of Woman’s Day lists a few things a woman can do to lower her risk of breast cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research says nearly 40 percent of all cases annually could be prevented by such habits as eating right and exercising. They recommend staying at a healthy weight, limiting alcohol use and getting plenty of Vitamin D from diet, supplements or spending time outdoors. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil,whole grains and legumes has been linked to a reduced risk.

Finally, a note for the men in the family: The cancers that most frequently affect men are skin, prostate, lung and colon cancers. Again, early detection is important. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Get regular PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood tests and DREs (digital rectal exams) after age 50. Stop smoking and, if you don’t smoke, don’t start. Eat a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limit alcohol use and remain active to lower the risk of colon cancer.

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month by buying products displaying a pink ribbon denoting a portion of the proceeds goes to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Make a donation to cancer research, perhaps in memory of someone who had cancer or in honor of a cancer survivor. Participate in area cancer walks or candlelight vigils. But most importantly, schedule a mammogram soon and keep the appointment.

You’ll be doing yourself a favor.

Susan Holland, who works for the Westside Eagle Observer, is a lifelong Benton County resident.

Opinion, Pages 6 on 10/20/2010