Hawaii Ranks among the Lowest in Nation for Mammography Screening

By Laura Weldon Hoque, M.D.
Breast Surgeon

An alarming number of Hawaii women are neglecting their breast health. In a recent study by the National Women's Law Center and Oregon Health & Science University, Hawaii's women between the ages of 40 and 64 ranked 43rd in the nation in getting mammograms.

The American Cancer Society and most physicians, recommend a baseline screening at age 40, and annual screenings thereafter to look for abnormalities that could be cancer.

Mammography is the only screening method that's been consistently proven to reduce deaths from breast cancer.

With all of this information proving mammograms save lives, why do so many women put off this vital check? Fear. Many fear discomfort, others lack insurance and fear the cost and still others fear what might be found. Hawaiians and Filipinos have the lowest screening rates and often hesitate on the basis of modesty.

Fear of mammograms is far worse than the actual experience. Kapi'olani Breast Center's staff take special care to put women at ease.

The Breast Center was designed as a comforting environment, where women are greeted with soft robes and roses. Most importantly, Kapi'olani has dedicated breast radiologists and all the doctors are breast specialists.

The Center offers the latest in digital mammography, which not only helps doctors better identify suspicious tissue, it reduces screening time, retakes and call-back appointments, making it a more comfortable experience.

The Breast Center also provides free screenings to women who have no medical insurance through the state Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program.

Get mammograms regularly - it's the only proven way to protect yourself against breast cancer!

For further information, call 535-7000.

July, 2004 Women's Health Column