I have been told often that, when you hear these health tips on radio or read them, it sounds like I am talking directly to you. Well, I hope that is the case now. It was recently reported that there has been a significant drop in women over age 50 getting mammograms. The report did not say whether the drop was in African American women as opposed to White women. However, if the trend that has been well documented holds true, that a higher percentage of blacks do not seek preventative care, I would not be surprised if this alarming drop in mammograms is in the minority community. It is reported that some women find centers to get mammograms difficult to locate. Location must not be a deterrent to you! I bet you would find your hair stylist and a shoe sale wherever it is. If you are forty and have never had a mammogram, you are already behind on health maintenance. If you are high risk, such as having a mother, sister, or aunt who has experienced breast cancer, then you need to be evaluated earlier than most women. Black women have worse outcomes because of the lack of early detection. Do you love yourself? Do you love your family? Get yourself a mammogram if you have not had one. I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell---Closing the Gap in Health Care.

Bell Update Volume 2, Chapter 19
Copyright May 200