If you are going for your first mammogram, it’s likely that
you have all sorts of questions and worries. While it can be a stressful
experience, the main reason why a mammogram is performed is to detect breast
cancer as early as possible.
Knowing how to prepare for your mammogram and what to expect
can put your mind at ease, making the whole experience less daunting. Here is
all you need to know.
Why Have a Mammogram?
If you have a mammogram scheduled, it’s incredibly important
not to put it off. While it can be all too easy to not turn up for your
procedure, a mammogram is one of the best ways to detect breast cancer.
This is because a mammogram uses low-dose x-rays that create an image of your
breast tissue. It can then detect small lumps that you are unable to feel
yourself.
It’s recommended to get your first mammogram at age 40 and
then have a mammogram each year onwards. If you have a higher risk of
developing breast cancer, make sure to let your doctor know as they can give
you more advice on when you should begin having mammograms. It’s always better
to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your health.
Preparing for Your Mammogram
You can make your mammogram experience more comfortable and
stress-free when you know what to expect. If you have not started the menopause
yet, make sure to book your mammogram for the week ahead of your menstrual
period. This is because your breasts will be less tender. As you are not
allowed to wear deodorant, lotion, ointment or powder on your chest area, it’s
best to schedule your mammogram in the daytime. If you wear any of these items,
it can cause problems with your mammogram and issues with the x-ray.
Knowing what to wear for your mammogram can make the
procedure go as smoothly as possible. Try and aim for a two-piece outfit so you
only need to take off your top. The person who is conducting the mammogram will
provide you with a gown to put on. Also, bring along the name, phone number and
address of the doctor who scheduled the mammogram. This is because once the
procedure is complete, the facility will send a report to them.
Provide Information
Before you go in for your mammogram, there are certain
things that you can do to ensure the procedure is as accurate as possible. If
you have noticed any problems or changes in your breast, don’t hesitate to let
the mammography
technologist know who is performing the mammogram. You should also let them
know about any medical history that they need to be aware of, such as surgery,
breast cancer in your family or if you have had breast cancer in the past.
Before you get any type of imaging test, it’s best to let
your technologist know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Being open and
honest can make a huge difference and put your mind at ease. You will want your
mammogram to be as accurate as can be, so make sure to provide any information
you have when asked for it.
Length of Procedure
One of the main worries that many women have before going
for a mammogram is how long the procedure will take. You will be happy to know
that the entire procedure only takes 30 minutes, with each of your breasts
being compressed for roughly 20 to 30 seconds. While the compression stage can
feel uncomfortable, it’s an incredibly important part of the procedure.
Compression allows your breast tissue to flatten and spread which gives a clear
view of the breast, and helps to reduce the amount of radiation to create an
image.
Diagnostic Mammogram
If you have any breast symptoms, or there have been noticeable
changes on your screening mammogram, you will need to have a diagnostic
mammogram. During this procedure, the technologist can look for any changes
that were present on the screening mammogram. The images are checked and
examined by the radiologist while you are there so that more photos can be
taken if necessary. In some instances, magnification views or spot views are
used to closely focus on a small area to identify what the problem is.
Getting Your Results
Once your mammogram is over, it’s expected that you will
receive your results within 10 days. If you do not hear back from your health
care provider, do not assume that your procedure was normal. It’s best to call
up your provider or the facility where you had your mammogram.
A full detailed report of your results will be sent over to
your health care provider. Mammography clinics are also required to mail women
with an account of their mammogram results as soon as possible. If the results
indicate that cancer is present, this may mean that you receive the results
before your health care provider contacts you. You can also ask for a full
written mammogram report and summary if you so wish.
Don’t Panic
If you are worried about the mammogram procedure, try and
remember that you’re not alone. Your health should be your number one priority,
so having regular mammograms each year can put your mind at ease and nip any
problems in the bud as early as possible. It’s important to remember that for
every 1,000 mammograms performed, only 2 to 4 screenings result in a diagnosis
of breast cancer. What’s more, ultrasounds and 3D mammograms are becoming
frequently popular as they are better forms of screening. You can read
more here about how they work and what the differences are.
It’s only natural to have worries and concerns, so instead
of bottling up your thoughts, let your doctor know how you are feeling. You may
be able to get some useful advice and techniques that you can use to help you
feel more relaxed before your mammogram. 1 in 8 women in the United States will
develop breast cancer in their lifetime, therefore, detecting any signs in the
early stages is incredibly important.
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