Mammogram

This test finds breast cancer in its early stages, when it’s most treatable. The following  information will help guide you and prepare you for what you'll need to know to get ready.

It’s natural to feel nervous about having a mammogram. But, remember that this is something you’re doing to take care of yourself.

What it is

A mammogram is an X-ray of your breasts. It’s used to get a clear picture of your breast tissue, in order to check for any areas of concern. Only 2 to 4 screening mammograms out of every 1,000 lead to a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Who needs it

According to the American Cancer Society, women ages 40 and up need a screening mammogram every year. If your risk of breast cancer is higher, your doctor may recommend you begin testing sooner. Other organizations have different mammogram guidelines. To know what’s right for you, talk to your doctor about your risk and decide together how often and when to schedule mammograms.

Screening vs. Diagnostic

A screening mammogram is preventive. It checks for changes in your breasts that could be cancerous. A diagnostic mammogram is used if you have breast symptoms like a lump or if a change shows up in your screening mammogram.

Before your appointment

First, check that the facility where you’re having your mammogram is certified by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Try not to make your appointment for the week before or the week during your period. Your breasts can be more tender and swollen during this time. If you’ve had a mammogram before but, at a different location, call to get copies of the X-rays so the radiologist can compare them to your new ones.

Relax and enjoy the ride

Showing up is the easy part. A colonoscopy is a relatively painless procedure, helped out in part by sedatives and painkillers. The medication usually helps to relax patients. Comfort is key, so most doctors try to talk to my patients to alleviate their anxiety.

Getting ready

On the day of your exam, do not wear any deodorant, powder or lotion under your arms, on or around your breasts. These can show up on your X-ray and make it harder to get a clear picture of your breasts. Tell your mammogram technician about any breast symptoms you’re having so she can pay close attention to those areas. Also, tell your technician if you have breast implants.

What to expect

When it’s time for your mammogram, you’ll undress from the waist up and put on a gown. If you wear a skirt or pants, you can stay dressed from the waist down. You’ll stand or sit in front of the X-ray machine while the technician places each of your breasts (one at a time), between two smooth plates. The plates come together to flatten your breast, so as much tissue as possible is visible for the X-ray. It’s normal to feel a little pain or discomfort at this point but, it will go away after a few seconds.

A screening mammogram takes about 20 minutes. The technician will usually take two X-rays of each breast. A diagnostic mammogram can take a little longer because the technician will want to take several X-rays of the area of concern.

The results

A radiologist will look at your X-rays to check for anything out of the ordinary and to compare your breasts to each other and to any mammograms you’ve had in the past. Your doctor will usually contact you with the results within five days. If you don’t hear anything after 10 days, call your doctor’s office.

Contributing Source: Healthy Advice