As part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Kona Community Hospital encourages women to make mammograms part of their annual health checkups. The hospital has spent almost 100 years caring for West Kona, HI, residents and offers cancer services, weight loss programs and surgical services, in addition to mammograms.

Although a woman may conduct regular self-examinations, a mammogram can detect breast cancer deep inside the breast before it can be felt. Mammograms are X-rays of the breast that can pick up small abnormalities, such as calcium deposits, that may indicate that you have a tumor. Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, annual mammograms may begin at age 40 or above.

Mammography is an important tool in evaluating lumps and abnormalities that women or their doctors notice. If you have lump, thickening of a nipple, discharge from a nipple, change in the appearance of skin on the breast or breast pain, a diagnostic mammogram can help doctors pinpoint the potential cause of your problem.

Regular mammograms are an important tool in the fight against cancer. Research studies have shown that screening mammograms can reduce breast cancer deaths among women between the ages of 40 to 74, reports the American Cancer Institute. Women over age 50 in particular benefit from this screening test. The earlier cancer is detected, the earlier treatment can begin.

Kona Community Hospital is committed to meeting the needs of women in the community and offers a full range of services, from a maternity care center to emergency physician services. To find out more about the importance of mammograms, call the hospital at (808) 322-9311 or visit them online.