“I love my
breast, they’re fabulous” Samantha Jones – Sex and the City.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to talk about
mammography. Recently I spoke with a woman who had been weary of having
mammograms. Tired of all of the poking
and prodding, she had had enough. So she
stopped having mammograms because she was convinced that she would never get breast cancer. Sadly when she finally had a mammogram, after a lull of seven years, a lump was
detected and she then became one of the
“1 in 8” American women who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Luckily – and it really was fortunate, she does
not have disease outside of the breast.
If not for the mammogram her outcome may have been very different and she
is blessed to be a cancer survivor, not a victim. Early detection saves
lives.
What should you know about mammography?
A mammogram is a
radiographic image of breast tissue. The
actual process itself is uncomfortable for a few moments when the breast is
pressed down. It’s important to know
that there is no need to be fearful of radiation exposure when you have the
procedure done, as the exposure is similar to flying coast-to-coast in an
airplane says breast radiologist Mimi Newell of Emory University’s Winship Cancer
Center.
There are just a
few simple rules to remember when you are going to have a mammogram. 1. On the day, if you wear deodorant,
powders, ointments, or creams be prepared to remove it using underarm wipes for
it can look similar to flecks of calcium and appear abnormal. 2. Avoid
scheduling a mammogram the week before your menstrual cycle, so the breasts are
not being pressed down when they are most sensitive. 3. Breastfeeding women should pump
immediately before the exam. 4. Additional
views will be need if breast implants are present, so as to not miss any part
of the breast.
It’s best to
have all mammograms done at the same location in order for the radiologist to
have easy access for comparisons, when necessary. If you don’t have the mammograms performed at
the same location, be prepared to sign a records release form in order
for copies of films to be sent to the new radiology office. Also, if cost is an issue, check with your local
health department to find out if there are programs that would help cover the
cost, or go to http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/about.htm for free screenings in your area.
Finally, consider
scheduling your mammogram and well woman exam the same time each year. Make it your mission to remind sisters,
friends, and family to have a mammogram. It can be the difference between life and
death. Be well.
