National Mammography Day
National Mammography Day:
The National Mammography Day is celebrated on the third Friday of October. The day is marked to remind women to book an appointment for early detection of breast cancer.
Year | Date | Day | Where |
2023 | 20th October | Friday | United States |
2023 | 18th October | Friday | United States |
2025 | 17th October | Friday | United States |
Twitter Hashtags:
#NationalMammographyDay
#MammographyDay
Related: Other National Days Celebrated on October:
Why National Mammography Day?
The National mammography day is celebrated in Breast Cancer Awareness month. The day is set aside to encourage women to get early detection for breast cancer because it is the best way of eliminating this illness that is affecting thousands of women. By having a mammogram, the problem can be detected before there are any physical signs of harm. According to the CDC, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the USA. Besides this, breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among women. Having a mammogram allows early detection, which makes combating cancer easier. Having an annual mammogram on this day will make sure that you are able to reduce the chances of developing serious complications from breast cancer. Women who are aged above 40 years are encouraged to have a mammogram on an annual basis.
How can we celebrate National Mammography Day:
Some things that you can do to celebrate the National Mammography Day include the following:
- Visit a doctor
The most important way for you to mark this celebration is by booking and going to get a mammogram at the doctor. Research has indicated that in the USA, 12.8% of women are likely to develop breast cancer and the only way to make sure that you are not at risk is by taking a mammogram. After having a mammogram on this day, you can make a point of having an annual mammogram that may detect early signs of breast cancer so that you can avert the risk.
- Organize a fundraiser or attend one
The other way for you to celebrate this day is to support a breast cancer organization. You can organize a fundraiser for the organization in your community so that more women are supported in their fight against breast cancer. There are many fundraisers that are organized by communities during this day and you can research about the ones that are close to you and attend them as part of the celebrations.
- Help someone who is affected by breast cancer
You can also choose this day to show support to someone who is being affected by breast cancer. You can donate your time to families or women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer so that you can make them feel better. You can drive someone to the doctor for her appointment or offer pampering services to these women including massage therapy, hair styling, makeup, etc. You can also visit them in their homes and help them with the house chores such as cleaning and cooking.
- Post on social media
If you have participated in observing this day, you can choose to post your activities on social media. Go to your social media pages and use the hashtag #NationalMammographyDay to show others how they can participate in observing this day. When you participate in this day’s events on your social media pages, you will be rallying others to participate. Besides this, it will also be a way for you to boost breast cancer awareness in the world.
Interesting facts about National Mammography Day:
Some interesting facts that you need to learn about getting a mammogram screening include the following:
- Mammography is the best method for detecting breast cancer. It is the only way for doctors to get early detection for cancerous tumors. A mammogram is even more effective than a physical breast exam because it can detect a tumor before a lump is even felt.
- Getting regular mammograms increases your rate of survival when breast cancer is detected early. Early detection for breast cancer increases the survival rate by 97%.
- A mammogram does not take a lot of time. A full exam only takes half of an hour.
- A mammogram does not cause any pain or discomfort. If pain or discomfort is experienced, it is on a minimal level during breast compression.
- When you reach the age of 40, it is advised that you do not miss a mammogram test because that is when your chances of getting breast cancer increase.
History of National Mammography Day:
President Bill Clinton officiated the National Mammography Day as a national Holiday in 1993. It has been part of the Breast Cancer Awareness week every year and it is used to encourage women to get breast cancer screening. The history of the mammogram however dates back. In 1913, a German doctor used an X-Ray machine to detect breast cancer. In 1956, they improved the imaging of the mammography so that better results could be realized. The technology has since improved and currently, there are 2D and 3D mammograms available. Mammography is the most accurate way of detecting breast cancer. This is because it can even show the presence of a cancerous tumor before a lump is even formed.