Here’s a harrowing statistic: One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. The good news? Mammography screenings can detect breast cancer in its early stages, when it’s more likely curable.
Elizabeth Currie is a regional mammography manager, helping oversee the operations and standardization of breast cancer screening centers in the greater Charlotte region. Before her role, she served as a radiologic technologist and mammography technologist.
“Screening is to rule out breast cancer that’s starting to develop,” she said. “You have a Pap test to make sure there’s nothing going on, and it’s the same thing.”
Here Currie breaks down what a mammogram is, and what you can expect when you recieve one.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast, and the best way doctors have to find breast cancer early. During a screening, a large imaging machine moves across breast tissue in an arc to produce pictures. Each breast only takes a few minutes to be X-rayed. A radiologist then examines the images for abnormalities.
Empowering you to take control of your breast health.
What are 3D mammograms?
3D mammograms provide particularly good results for young women and those with dense breasts. Contrary to popular belief, what constitutes “dense breasts” has nothing to do with breast size. Breast tissue is made of both fatty tissue and glandular tissue, the latter of which causes the density.
When should I get my first mammogram?
Current recommendations suggest starting annual mammography screening at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you’re more at risk, Currie said. She recommends asking your primary care doctor about earlier screenings if you have a history of breast cancer in your family.
Tips for before you go to your first mammogram
Keep your normal routine. Some medical appointments require patients to fast or abstain from certain foods or drinks before arrival. But Currie said, for a mammogram, that’s unnecessary. “We recommend that you do your normal things,” she said. “Some people get nervous, and if they don’t eat, they get faint.”
Waiting until after your menstrual period ends can be helpful, too. "We recommend scheduling screenings after your period, not just before your cycle, due to tenderness in the breasts,” Currie said.
What to wear to your mammogram
Do not use deodorant, powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breast before your mammogram. Wear a blouse or top that is easy to remove. You'll wear a gown that opens in the front for your screening, but you can keep your own bottoms and shoes on.
During the mammogram
A technologist will position your breast on the X-ray machine in preparation for the screening images. The technician will then use a plastic paddle to gently spread out the breast tissue.
“We usually ask patients to take a breath in and hold it,” Currie said. “This keeps you still while the (machine) makes its sweep.” Movement can cause images to blur, and often radiologists are looking for abnormalities the size of a grain of salt. Image clarity is crucial.
“It’s uncomfortable and awkward, but takes five to 10 seconds to capture the image,” Currie said. You also may feel slight discomfort for a day or two afterward, she added.
Should you ask to sit?
The procedure is commonly performed while standing. If you are prone to fainting during office procedures, or have mobility issues, tell your technologist first. He or she may recommend that you sit in a chair while being screened to prevent a fall.
After your mammography screening
Don’t be nervous if you’re asked back. Follow-up screenings are common, Currie said, especially after first-time screenings. It all depends on the tissue: with denser tissue, abnormalities can be more difficult to detect. “At your first screening, we’re trying to establish what your normal is,” she said.
If your screening shows normal results, you'll receive your results in MyChart, and you're all set until next year's screening. If you want to make sure to remember your mammogram annually, schedule next year's appointment before you leave the office.
“For yourself and your health, and your family, it’s such an important thing that can be done," Currie said. Breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if you find it early.”
Novant Health can help with mammography screening cost
With today’s high-deductible plans, insurance companies often treat mammogram screenings as preventive care, but not always.
If you’re uninsured or worried about cost, call Novant Health Cancer Care’s prevention and early detection department at 704-384-5250 to ask about free clinic screenings. “Don’t let not being able to pay for it deter you from doing it,” Currie said. “We have resources to help.”
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