Beth Stern, wife of popular radio and television personality Howard Stern, is using a recent breast cancer scare screenings.
The 47-year-old revealed on social media doctors found a “growth” in her breast. “I went in for an annual mammogram 6 months ago and they found a ½ inch growth that needed to be rechecked in 6 months,” the post read. “Today was my recheck and it didn’t increase in size. I was a nervous wreck for the past 6 months.”
Stern says the growth was a fibroadenoma, a noncancerous breast tumor. She hopes by sharing her story, she will encourage other women to get screened. “I just want to tell all of you amazing women out there…get your yearly mammograms,” the post continued. “I think you are all important and worthy and want you to be here as long as you can.”
A mammogram is a test performed with a machine that is specifically designed to create detailed X-ray images of breast tissue using compression and small doses of ionizing radiation. It can be a valuable tool for detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages, when more treatment options are available.
The most breast cancer deaths are prevented and the greatest number of lives are saved when screening mammography is performed annually beginning at age 40. Screening should begin earlier for women who have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer.
