Tina Knowles – Beyonce’s Mom – Missed a Mammogram. Then She Got Diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

Annual mammograms remain one of the most powerful tools in early detection of breast cancer – a disease that affects one in eight women in the United States.

According to the American Cancer Society, women at average risk for breast cancer can start mammogram screenings every year, and women between 45 and 54 should have the annual exam. Women age 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or continue on an annual basis. Those with a family history of breast cancer, or any other risk factors, should talk to their doctor about how often they should have a mammogram.

These routine screenings are valuable because they can detect cancer early – often before symptoms appear – when it’s most treatable and survival rates are highest.

Life gets busy, and sometimes doctor’s appointments and annual screenings aren’t prioritized. But health should always be top of mind.

Even skipping one annual mammogram can pose serious risks. Delays in screening may allow a tumor to grow unchecked, potentially leading to a more aggressive cancer that’s harder to treat. Consistency is key in catching breast cancer early and improving outcomes.

Recently, Tina Knowles, Beyonce’s mother, shared publicly that she was diagnosed with breast cancer, after missing a routine mammogram during the COVID-19 pandemic. When she eventually had the screening, two tumors were discovered, one of which was cancerous.

Knowles underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor from her breast, and is now cancer-free. She’s advocating for women to prioritize annual screenings.

Here are some tips to help you remember to schedule your annual mammogram:

• Mark the month of your annual mammogram on your phone calendar and set a reminder.
• Schedule your mammogram annually on your birthday.
• Make your appointment in October because it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
• Schedule it on the same day as your annual exam with your gynecologist.

Early detection dramatically improves outcomes. Mammograms can identify tumors up to two years before they can be felt by hand during a breast self-exam, offering women more treatment options and a better chance at a full recovery.

Make the time to schedule your mammogram. It can save your life.

Jackson Health System provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and breast disease with leading-edge technology and equipment. To schedule an appointment for a mammogram at Jackson Memorial Hospital or Jackson North Medical Center, call 305-585-6000.

Catherine Servel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons