Pink October marks an important month for women around the world, we mark breast cancer awareness. The most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst the female population is breast cancer, which adds up to 1 in 4 yearly cancer cases around the world.
In Israel, about 4,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and about 900 die from the illness. If you’re a woman over the age of 40 you should strongly consider getting yearly check ups. If you have a family history and higher risk it’s recommended to check even younger as early as your 20’s. It’s becoming increasingly common for men to get breast cancer too, 1% of all breast cancers occur in men. So even men should be aware of finding unusual lumps.
As a migrant in Israel, navigating your way around the healthcare system can be confusing, so we have broken down the ways you can get checked.
What do breast cancer checkups usually involve?
You will most likely be familiar with the method of screening involving a mammogram imaging device that can pick up growths in the breast area. Usually, the mammogram is carried out by a female radiographer. Two x-rays of each breast are taken, from different angles. The breast is flattened between two special plates. Although this may result in discomfort or slight pain it doesn’t cause harm to the breast. The more the breast is flattened, the less x-ray radiation is produced, and the better the images will come out. The images are then interpreted by an expert doctor to find any unusual signs.
In Israel, in addition to the option of mammograms, many women get firstly checked by a breast surgeon. If you’re under the age of 50, the surgeon will decide if you need an imaging test like a mammogram.
Clalit Healthcare Provider
One of the biggest healthcare providers that provide coverage for foreign workers is Clalit. They have a website that is available in English, and you can also call their customer support on *3555 and select English. To book a check-up appointment either log in online or call – you’ll need to ask for an appointment with a breast surgeon doctor (“Kirug Shed” in Hebrew).
Maccabi Healthcare Provider
Another substantial healthcare provider that offers coverage for foreign workers in Israel is Maccabi. They have a website available in English and you can also call their customer support on *2700 and select English. Booking an appointment with a breast surgeon is done the same way as in Clalit – either log in online or call and book an appointment.
Whether you are insured at Clalit or at Maccabi, the breast checkup is the same. The breast surgeon will give you a manual check-up in their clinic and advise you regarding the need for a mammogram, especially under the age of 50. Over the age of 50-74, you will be invited each year to get a free mammogram test. You can get a referral from your GP every 2 years for a mammogram if you’re over the age of 50.
Early detection saves lives, early-stage detection cases have a 93% or higher survival rate in the first 5 years. So if you’re in the risk age group or have a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, don’t hesitate to book a check-up. If you suspect any unusual lumps in your breasts call your provider for an urgent appointment with a breast surgeon doctor and they will consult.
You can always do a home breast check more often than mammogram programs offer. Here is a great guide on doing a self-check-up. Even though many of us are so used to taking care of others, even for a living, you should never forget to take care of yourself first and get checked.
