Tina Knowles, the mother of superstars Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, has recently opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis after she missed her mammogram test. The new author in town for her book 'Matriarch: A Memoir' shared about her health issue while talking to People. "It's important not to slack on your mammograms," the superstar mom said.
Knowles revealed that initially she 'struggled' with whether she should share her cancer journey and recovery in th ebook, as she is a very private person. However, she decided to share the journey, hoping to help other women.
"I think as women, sometimes we get so busy and we get so wrapped up and running around, but you must go get your test. Because if I had not gotten my test early, I mean, I shudder to think what could have happened to me," she said, emphasizing the importance of cancer screening.
Knowles revealed that she missed her scheduled mammogram. She didn't get any tests in two years because of the pandemic, and later, it slipped from her mind. She didn't really have the risk factors or the family history. She underwent surgery to remove the tumour, and also breast cancer, and is 'cancer-free', Knowless stresses the importance of cancer screening. "I didn't know that there was a stage 0. I could have caught this at stage 0 if I had not missed my mammogram,” she said.
Here are five key things to know about breast cancer screening.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast with a low dose. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. The best part about mammograms is that they can find cancer even before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer, according to the CDC. The agency also notes that at present, a mammogram is the ‘best way to find breast cancer’ for most women of screening age.
Mammogram helps with early detection
Mammograms are the most effective tool for detecting breast cancer early, often before symptoms like lumps appear. According to the American Cancer Society, decades of research prove that women who get regular mammograms are more likely to catch cancer early, need less aggressive treatments like mastectomy or chemotherapy, and have a better chance of being cured.
When to get a mammogram?
Mammogram screening recommendations depend on age and risk factors. According to the American Cancer Society, women who are at high risk for breast cancer should get a breast MRI and a mammogram,typically starting at age 30. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends starting mammograms at age 40 every two years, though women may choose annual screenings after discussing with their doctor. The American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests annual mammograms starting at age 45, with the option to start at 40. Consult your doctor before getting a mammogram, so that you understand your risk factors and proceed accordingly.
Screening has its benefits and risks
While mammograms can save lives by catching cancer early, they aren’t perfect. They, too, can miss some breast cancers. Once you find something in the mammogram, you might need further tests to confirm. There are chances of false positives, which may lead to additional tests, causing anxiety and costs. These false negatives can delay diagnosis. Overdiagnosis is another risk, where non-threatening cancers are treated unnecessarily. Taking an informed decision after discussion with your doctor and weighing the benefits and risks is the way forward.
Video
How does a mammogram feel?
This must be a constant question lingering in the minds of women when they think of a mammogram. A mammogram takes only a few moments. While some women find it uncomfortable, others have also reported it to be painful. But the best part is, the discomfort will be over soon. What you feel depends on the skill of the technologist, the size of your breasts, and how much they need to be pressed. Your breasts may be more sensitive if you are about to get or have your period.
Knowles revealed that initially she 'struggled' with whether she should share her cancer journey and recovery in th ebook, as she is a very private person. However, she decided to share the journey, hoping to help other women.
"I think as women, sometimes we get so busy and we get so wrapped up and running around, but you must go get your test. Because if I had not gotten my test early, I mean, I shudder to think what could have happened to me," she said, emphasizing the importance of cancer screening.
Knowles revealed that she missed her scheduled mammogram. She didn't get any tests in two years because of the pandemic, and later, it slipped from her mind. She didn't really have the risk factors or the family history. She underwent surgery to remove the tumour, and also breast cancer, and is 'cancer-free', Knowless stresses the importance of cancer screening. "I didn't know that there was a stage 0. I could have caught this at stage 0 if I had not missed my mammogram,” she said.
Here are five key things to know about breast cancer screening.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast with a low dose. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. The best part about mammograms is that they can find cancer even before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer, according to the CDC. The agency also notes that at present, a mammogram is the ‘best way to find breast cancer’ for most women of screening age.
Mammogram helps with early detection
When to get a mammogram?
Mammogram screening recommendations depend on age and risk factors. According to the American Cancer Society, women who are at high risk for breast cancer should get a breast MRI and a mammogram,typically starting at age 30. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends starting mammograms at age 40 every two years, though women may choose annual screenings after discussing with their doctor. The American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests annual mammograms starting at age 45, with the option to start at 40. Consult your doctor before getting a mammogram, so that you understand your risk factors and proceed accordingly.
Screening has its benefits and risks
While mammograms can save lives by catching cancer early, they aren’t perfect. They, too, can miss some breast cancers. Once you find something in the mammogram, you might need further tests to confirm. There are chances of false positives, which may lead to additional tests, causing anxiety and costs. These false negatives can delay diagnosis. Overdiagnosis is another risk, where non-threatening cancers are treated unnecessarily. Taking an informed decision after discussion with your doctor and weighing the benefits and risks is the way forward.
Video
How does a mammogram feel?
This must be a constant question lingering in the minds of women when they think of a mammogram. A mammogram takes only a few moments. While some women find it uncomfortable, others have also reported it to be painful. But the best part is, the discomfort will be over soon. What you feel depends on the skill of the technologist, the size of your breasts, and how much they need to be pressed. Your breasts may be more sensitive if you are about to get or have your period.
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