Breast Cancer Mammograms
No pretty way to talk about these things - breast cancer mammograms.... Having never personally experienced one myself (I'm not 40 yet, and at low risk for breast cancer) - I write purely from the perspective of their importance!!! Sure there are horror stories out there about mammograms, how embarassing, how painful, how this or how that... How about let's talk about what's really important: Mammograms are the #1 way to detect breast cancer early!!! And early detection could SAVE YOUR LIFE!!!While breast cancer mammograms are the most critical component in an early breast cancer detection program, understand that they are not perfect. Some studies have shown that between 20 and 30% of women who have breast cancer can be missed during screening. The other side of that is that 70 to 80% of breast cancers may be caught with a mammogram. So with those odds...Do the Boobie Mash!!!! Just Mash It!!!There are several different types of mammograms. This site will focus on "screening mammograms." If you are looking much more detailed information about breast cancer mammograms then follow the link to the American Cancer Society website.In general, a screening mammogram is performed on women who are at least 40 years every 1 to 2 years. Sometimes they are done for women who are younger when those women are considered at high risk for breast cancer. For high risk women, annual screening may start at the age of 30. Diagnositic mammograms are conducted when there is reason to think that a women may have breast cancer or some other breast health issue (nipple discharge, a detectable lump, etc.). This procedure is more in depth. A screening mammography takes X-ray pictures of your breasts. Two pictures are taken for each breast, unless you have implants. The X-rays are unable to penetrate the implant material, so your breasts will need to be repositioned and additional pictures will be taken (a total of 4 per breast with implants). The procedure, according to all that I have read and the stories I have heard from women, can be uncomfortable. For some women it may even be painful. The mammogram takes 15 mintues to prepare for, but the actual discomfort last for less than 20 seconds. Don't be discouraged from getting your mammogram...
that 20 seconds of discomfort could save your life!Some helpful tips around scheduling and for the day of your mammogram are listed below:
* Schedule your mammogram for about 1 week after your period to avoid having tender breasts. * On the day of the screening, it may be more comfortable to NOT wear a dress. That way you are only undressed from the waist up. * DO NOT wear any deodorant or anti-persperant or perfume. These chemicals can interfere with the X-ray quality. * Make sure you are at a facility that is FDA approved to perform mammograms. They should have their certificate of approval on display. * Follow up on your results if you haven't heard anything. Do NOT assume that everything was clear.
This information is to help you understand the importance of breast cancer mammograms and is not intended to replace any information that you have received or may receive from your doctor.
|
