Get the Most from a Mammogram
By Patrice Crawford
Mammograms are a key tool in the detection of breast cancer.
You can make your mammogram more effective, comfortable and easy. The American Cancer Society offers extensive guidance on ways to do this. They also assure you that a mammogram is nothing to be afraid of. Only two to four screening mammograms in 1,000 lead to a diagnosis of breast cancer.
The following is what the American Cancer Society recommends.
Preparing for a Mammogram
Whenever possible, pick a facility that specializes in mammograms. Go to the same one every year. This will let your results be easily compared from year to year. The first time you go to a facility, bring a list of the places and dates of mammograms, biopsies or other breast procedures you’ve done before. Have your previous mammograms sent to the new facility or bring them with you.
When scheduling, avoid the week just before your period. Schedule an appointment when your breasts aren’t likely to be tender or swollen, both for your comfort and so the technicians can get better pictures.
Do not apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes under your arms or on or under your breasts. These can sometimes show up on the X-ray as white spots. It’s why many facilities will provide you with wipes to clean off your underarms and breasts. Take any supplies with you to reapply after your exam.
Consider wearing a skirt or pants rather than a dress so that you’ll have to remove only your top and bra.
Let your health care provider know if you’ve had any recent changes or problems with your breast before you get a mammogram. It could affect the type of mammogram you receive. When you have symptoms, they can do a diagnostic mammogram and take special images of the area of concern. You should also tell your provider about anything that could affect your breast cancer risk, such as surgery, family history, hormone use or prior breast cancer.
During the Exam
There are several things your technologist needs to know. Share with them any breast changes or problems you are having. Let them know if you have breast implants, have trouble standing or holding still alone without the help of a cane or walker, whether you are breastfeeding or if you think you might be pregnant.
If at any point during the exam you start to feel lightheaded or dizzy, tell the technologist right away.
Before your exam, you’ll have to undress above the waist. You’ll be given a gown to wear. You and the technologist will be the only ones in the room.
To get the best quality picture, your breast will have to be flattened or compressed. The technologist will place your breast on the machine and instruct you on how and where to stand. They may have to make some adjustments to accommodate your height and shape. The technologist will lower the plastic upper plate to compress your breast while they take an X-ray. You will then need to change position so your breast is compressed from side to side. This will be repeated for both breasts.
If you are getting a 3D mammogram, the machine will move in a small arc while the image is being taken. You might be asked to hold your breath while it is being done.
Generally speaking, a mammogram takes about 20 minutes with the breast compression usually lasting only 10 to 15 seconds per image. Women with larger breasts or who have breast implants may need to have more pictures taken, which will lengthen the process.
Some women feel nothing during a mammogram while others feel discomfort or even pain. Let the technologist know if it hurts and they may be able to make adjustments so you are more comfortable.
Diagnostic mammograms are very similar to screening ones except that more pictures are taken with a focus on the area of concern. Typically, a radiologist will check the images while you are there so that more pictures can be taken if needed. Sometimes you might be taken in immediately for an ultrasound.
