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Digital MammographyBreast HealthIf breast cancer is found early, the 5-year survival rate is 96% There's no denying breast cancer is scary. But statistics prove there are realistic expectations for survival – with early detection being a key factor. In fact, over 2 million breast cancer survivors are alive in America today. Understand Your Next MammogramA mammogram is your secret weapon against breast cancer
As a general rule you should get a screening mammography every year beginning at age 40 and have your breasts checked by your physician every three years if you're between the ages of 20 and 39. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors talk to your doctor about scheduling a yearly screening starting at age 30. Here is what you need to know about getting tested and how to keep your cool if your screening shows abnormal results.What to know before a mammogram screeningA mammogram is your best early alert for breast cancer. To get the most accurate results, make sure your doctor knows about your family's history of breast cancer, hormone use and, of course your full medical history. This includes any breast problems you've experienced and past surgeries (even implants). Let your doctor know if you are menstruating or have started menopause. Here are some other do's and don'ts to be familiar with before prepping for your next test:
How the mammogram procedure works
Understanding how a mammogram procedure works is a great way to feel more comfortable when you go for your first exam. During the test a technician will place your breast in a mammography unit (a special type of X-ray machine), where it will be compressed with a paddle. You will be asked to stay still and hold your breath while an X-ray is taken in two different positions: top to bottom and side to side. Although pressure or slight discomfort is normal, you should let your technologist know if you experience severe pain. The entire visit, including the exam, should take about 30 minutes from start to finish. A radiologist will analyze the images after you leave and send the report to your physician. You and your doctor will then discuss the results and, if calcifications, masses or lumps, distorted tissues or new dense areas are found on the exam, determine whether you need further testing.Making your mammogram more comfortableA mammogram exam may not be pleasant, but it is the best tool out there for lowering your risk of developing breast cancer. Still, many women have stopped getting their yearly exam. Researchers have seen a significant decrease in mammogram use: Between 2000 and 2005 the number of women getting screened dropped seven percent among women between the ages of 50 and 64. Although there are many possible reasons for this, such as cost and insurance issues, some women simply avoid booking their yearly exam because they're worried about discomfort. Here are some final words on making your next test painless:
We have provided you with some procedure education within our web site, if you would like further information about our Interventional & Diagnostic Procedures, please click on the Radiology Info logo below.
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What if we told you that you could boost your chances of beating breast cancer in five minutes or less? What's the trick? Schedule a mammogram. Getting screened is the best way to detect the subtle changes in breasts that may indicate early breast cancer. In fact, mammograms can detect about 85 percent of breast cancers in women without symptoms and can show changes in the breast up to two years before you or your doctor can feel them.
