Program Offers Women Mammograms for $50

When Joan Kramer urged her 36-year-old daughter to have a mammogram, the X-ray examination of the breast to detect cancer, she spoke from personal experience.

Kramer, 60, found a tumor during a self examination and had to have a breast removed 11 years ago. If she had had a mammogram, her breast might have been saved, a spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society said.

Kramer had no cancer in her family history, but since she developed it, her daughter is in a high risk group.

“I can’t stress to her enough that she should have a mammogram,” Kramer said. Breast cancer is, “such a frightening thing when you have it. By having a mammogram you are protecting yourself.”

Citing the alarming number of American women who have developed breast cancer, the American Cancer Society is sponsoring a low-cost cancer screening for San Diego area women 35 and over throughout March.

Appointments can be made by phone from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. through Feb. 7. Those interested should call the American Cancer Society.

The low-cost screening will be available to 2,500 women on a first-come, first-served basis.

A mammogram is a low-dosage X-ray screening that detects early signs of a tumor in the breast, said Dr. Howard Robin, vice president of the San Diego unit of the cancer society and coordinator of the screening program.

One out of 11 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, Robin said, and the only “real hope for the future is in earlier detection.”

“Mammography is the only method that can find tumors before they can be felt. Women must realize the importance of, and be alerted to the need of early detection,” he said.

During March, 17 area radiologists will perform mammograms for $50--a fraction of the average cost--under the cancer society program, Robin said.

The society is sponsoring the mammography screening, because, “not enough women know about them, and they are so expensive,” a cancer society spokeswoman said.

The cost of a mammogram in San Diego can range from $75 to $300, the spokeswoman said.

The cancer society says it is possible that the cost can be reduced if more women have mammograms.

“The average cost in Chicago before a screening program there was $120,” Robin said. After the program, the average cost dropped down to $70.”

“We are interested in lowering the cost of mammography,” Robin said.

Although women with a history of cancer in their families are the highest risk group, breast cancer can attack any woman at any age. The risk increases, however, after age 50. That is why self examinations starting at 20 are essential, Robin said.

Between 35 and 40 a woman should have an initial screening, Robin said, adding that between 40 and 50 a woman should have a mammogram done every year or two depending on family history, personal health and her doctor’s recommendation.

Women over 50, should have a mammogram annually, Robin said.