As we approach Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Laura Williams had a chance to talk with oncologist Dr. Jomel S. Labayog from OSF’s Bobette Steeley Hegeler Cancer Center on 1490 WDAN’s Community Connection program.
One important item mentioned was when it comes to your annual mammogram, today you have the option of a 2-D or 3-D examination. Dr. Labayog says 3D, for certain, can be much more comfortable for the patient.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: Women in general don’t like to do mammograms because, what does it do, it squeezes the breast tissue. And 3-D mammography doesn’t require as much pressure. I think the technologist asks you, “how much can you take….do you want to keep going, keep going, keep going?” But 3-D demography; it does make it so you don’t have to press down as hard.
Also talked about was the ages of 40 to 44 being average risk, and 45 to 54 being high risk; when annual mammograms are definitely recommended. For 55 or over, the recommendation is usually every two years. And as Dr. Labayog pointed out, if you do not have insurance, OSF does offer help for you to have your mammogram.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: OSF has a financial assistance program for patients, especially for screening tests like that. They are helped in ways; and we have grants and things to help support women who don’t have insurance; to help them get their mammograms accordingly.
Dr. Labayog also said that while some things, like genetics, cannot be controlled by the individual, others can. He reminded everyone that you can lower your risk of breast cancer by avoiding excessive alcohol usage, avoiding smoking or vaping, improving your diet, and having consistent physical excersise.
For a link to Laura Williams’ entire interview with Dr. Lagayog, please go to https://vermilioncountyfirst.com/the-community-connection/
