Most women worry about breast cancer at one time or another. We all know that it’s a dangerous disease affecting millions of American women annually. Fortunately, if it’s found early, the survival rate is more than 95 percent. And all it takes for physicians to catch it are a few mammogram photos. Sounds great, right?
Yet many women fear mammograms, miss their annual screening or don’t schedule one at all. The reason? Mammograms can be uncomfortable and many women believe that breast self-exams are a good substitute. While self-exams are a good practice for identifying changes in the breasts, mammograms are far better at pinpointing potential breast tumors when they’re much smaller and more easily treatable. In fact, mammograms are the most accurate method of detection available. Since the risk of breast cancer increases with age, all women older than 40 are urged to have a mammogram each year. If you’re feeling a little nervous about getting yours, read on for some frequently asked questions and answers that may help.
A mammogram is a series of X-rays of your breast. Mammograms can detect lumps, tumors or other changes to breasts that touch cannot.
Most appointments last about 30 minutes, though some may go up to an hour. You will be asked to remove all jewelry as well as your clothing from the waist up. You’ll be given a robe or other covering while you wait. Your registered mammography technician will then press your breast between two specially designed plates to create the X-ray image. This compression — the part that some women find uncomfortable — usually only lasts a few seconds on each side.
Although a mammogram shouldn’t be painful, some women find the compression of their breasts uncomfortable. It might help to schedule your appointment the week after your period, when breasts are less tender. Avoiding caffeine the day of your exam may also help, and you may want to take an over-the-counter pain reducer such as ibuprofen about 30 minutes before your appointment. Some mammography machines are equipped with soft foam pads that minimize the discomfort.
Before your mammogram, sit down with your healthcare provider and share any concerns you may have such as family history or changes you may have noticed in your breasts. On the day of your exam, avoid wearing deodorant and choose two-piece clothing instead of a dress or jumpsuit so that you don’t have to remove everything. Make sure you tell the technician if you feel pain.
Your healthcare provider at Riverview Health can answer any questions you may have and help you feel at ease. If you have any concerns over your breast cancer risk or your ability to get a mammogram due to the size or density of your breasts, schedule an appointment with your doctor today.
Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.
Source: Cancer.gov
