[4 min read]
In this article:
- Many women put off their first mammogram because of anxiety about the process.
- One in eight women will develop breast cancer. Early detection through regular screenings can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
- KOMO's Kelly Koopmans takes us along on her first mammogram to take some mystery out of the process and encourage women to be proactive about their health.
KOMO News anchor Kelly Koopmans recently marked an important health milestone by getting her first mammogram at the Providence Swedish Breast Imaging Center and sharing the experience with viewers.
In her KOMO News story, Koopmans (shown above with Imaging Technician Michelle Reader) documents every step of the screening process, offering a firsthand look at what patients can expect. By sharing her experience, Koopmans hopes to take the fear out of a procedure many women delay. Koopmans also has very personal experience with cancer: she lost her husband Michael to squamous cell carcinoma in 2024.
'I want to be as proactive as I can': Follow along as KOMO's Kelly Koopmans gets her first breast cancer screening
One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and mammograms can detect cancer up to two years before it can be physically felt. Experts at Swedish emphasize that annual screenings are generally recommended starting at age 40 for women at average risk.
“Not attending a screening mammogram isn’t going to make things go away. It’s just going to delay a diagnosis,” said imaging manager Laura Roberts. She also noted that early diagnosis lowers the risk of dying from breast cancer by 40 percent.
Koopmans said she’s sharing her experience to help make the process more approachable and encourages others to stay proactive about their health.
Watch the full story for a closer look at her experience and insights from the care team.
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Information for patients and visitors
Related resources
She refused to let breast cancer dim her shine
Day in the life: Our Breast Cancer Express brings care to our communities
Separating breast cancer myths from reality can help you understand you risk
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
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