I had my first mammogram when I was 37 years old. I was surprised when my primary care doctor informed me about it. Apparently, they want to have a base reference on which to compare my future results in case one needs to be looked at closer. When I turned 40, I started having annual mammograms. My first experience was not uncomfortable nor painful. I was pleasantly surprised considering I've been hearing stories about painful mammograms. I can't say that about my last two exams though, it was so uncomfortable. There was even a point that I thought I was going to pass out. :( Good thing I didn't!
I learned that you should schedule the test for a time when your breasts are least likely to be tender. They're often least tender during the week after your menstrual period. Your breasts are most likely to be tender the week before and the week during your period. You should also take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), about an hour before your mammogram to help ease the discomfort of the test
If you have breast implants, those can interfere with the image of a tumor. You should have your mammogram at a facility that does a large number of these kind of examinations. It is best to have a radiologist that is experienced in reading mammograms from women with implants. Along with the annual mammograms, women should also do a self-breast exam regularly. I'm ashamed to admit that I'm very bad at doing this. I know that I need and should do it but it just doesn't happen. Do you regularly check your breasts for lumps?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
There was an error in this gadget
MY FOOD BLOG
Fitness Tip of the Day
I check every time I take a shower. Unfortunately I'm in the higher risk category as my sister had breast cancer (over 10 years ago now and she's fine). I find it easier to check when I am soapy so the shower works for me!
Good for you posting on this. More women - especially younger women - need to be aware of the importance of checking.
Great Post! I am a breast cancer survivor, and mine was found on a routine mammogram. These tests are life savers, they don't always find it but those that are found make it easier to survive.
@Jean
I'm starting to make a habit of doing self-exams when I'm in the shower. Thanks for the tip about the soap, I tried it and it does make it easier. :)
@Kathy
Glad that they found it on time. It really is important to have this test every year even if you're not in the high risk category.
Excellent post, I have Stumbled it. I believe strongly that woman must also do much more self examination as some stats state that 80%+ of lumps are found that way. Very important in rural areas in poor countries where mammograms not available and more education needs to be done on it.
@Jackie
Thank you! :) You're right, self-breast examination is the first defense. In the Philippines, where I'm from, there are a lot of women who don't have access to mammography. The government needs to educate these women on breast cancer more.