Why Get a Screening Mammogram?

A Screening mammogram is a valuable tool for the early detection of breast cancer. By having a screening mammogram on a yearly basis, the radiologist can use your previous exams to determine if ANY SUBTLE or SUSPICIOUS changes have occurred in your breast tissue. By finding breast cancer in its earliest stages:

• The likelihood of cancer spreading to other areas of your body is reduced
• There are more conservative treatment options available
• Surgical options allow much less breast tissue to be removed
• Recovery from a smaller breast cancer is usually much less than from a larger cancer

Although these exams are not perfect and may not detect every cancer, there have been many lives saved because of women choosing to get their yearly screening mammogram.

Who needs a Screening mammogram?

It is recommended that women should start getting screened for breast cancer around age 35. Because some women may be at a higher risk than others, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine when the right time is for you to start getting this important exam. 

What to expect during a screening mammogram?

When you arrive for this test, you will be told to undress from the waist up. You will be given a gown to keep you covered. You will be asked to remove all powders, perfumes, and deodorant as these may hinder the quality of your mammogram.

When the technologist is ready, you will be brought into the exam room. The technologist will ask you several questions such as:

• Your personal and family history of breast cancer
• Your use of hormones
• Your breast history (ie: any breast surgeries, scars, moles)
• If you are having any breast problems
• How many children you have had

After your history is taken, you will be asked to expose one breast by taking one arm out of your gown. Your breast will be placed on a tray on a mammogram machine. The technologist will apply compression to your breast by having another tray on the machine to move onto your breast. When the correct amount of compression is reached, the technologist will step away from you and ask you to not breathe. An x-ray will be taken and you may hear a 'beep' from the machine. The compression will immediately release and you will be allowed to breathe regularly.

Several images will be taken of your breast; typically, no more than 6. After the images have been taken, your technologist will review them and then instruct you that your exam is complete and will allow you to get dressed and to leave. You should receive your results within 30 days.



Will it hurt?

Some women state that their mammogram is very uncomfortable and other women state that it is a pain-free exam. Either way, this exam is very important and should be a part of a woman's health plan. Even if it is a bit uncomfortable, this small amount of pain COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.There are several tips that you can use to make this experience more comfortable for you.