Grammy winning pop star Kylie Minogue is another celebrity example of someone who was successfully treated for breast cancer with no lasting health impact – and another celebrity example of someone diagnosed through a second opinion.

The Australian-British singer had a routine screening at age 36 and left with a clean bill of health, but Minogue couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Several weeks later she sought out a second opinion and discovered she did, in fact, have a small tumor in her breast. She put performing on hold while she was treated with a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.

Minogue fully recovered within eight months. Since going public with her story, she has taken every opportunity to remind women to keep up with mammograms and encourage them to advocate for their own health. Her most pressing advice? Trust your gut if you think something is wrong. Minogue emphasizes, “If you have any doubt, go back again.”

Getting regular mammograms is the most effective way to catch breast cancer early and minimize the treatment required. It’s also important to know your family medical history, as that puts you at risk and can influence the age to start screenings.

However, mammography is not perfect. The American Cancer Society reports that screening mammograms miss about 1 in 8 breast cancers for a variety of reasons including poor technique, incorrect interpretation and slow tumor growth.

Fortunately, there are increasing options to screen for and diagnose breast cancer. Ultrasound can be helpful, especially for women with dense breast tissue. It’s also important to be aware of new breast symptoms detectable externally, such as skin changes or pain.

SecondOpinions.com wants to help you advocate for yourself or a loved one. Contact us whenever a medical diagnosis – or lack thereof – raises doubt.