MAMMOGRAPHY

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It is often considered a disease of older women, but there are younger women with this problem as well. This is especially true in women with a family history of breast cancer. Mammography is a form of x-ray used to find breast cancers. A mammogram is a widely available screening test used for evaluation of breast problems.

The best chance of finding breast cancer is a combination of:

monthly self-exam
healthcare provider's annual exam and
mammograms as directed

It is recommended that women aged 40 and older have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Women who are at an increased risk for breast cancer should talk with their provider about how often to have mammograms. Women who have a higher than average risk for breast cancer include those with:

a family or personal history of breast cancer
a previous noncancerous tumor of the breast and
no children, or having children at an older age (over 35)

It is necessary to avoid the use of deodorant, powder, cream, lotion, or perfume on the upper body or underarm area the day of the mammogram to assure the best results from the exam. It is best not to wear jewelry around the neck. Since it is necessary to disrobe from the waist up for the exam, wearing a two-piece outfit rather than a dress or jumpsuit is recommended. A patient gown is worn with the opening in the front; the gown then can be separated to expose one breast at a time for the exam.

Getting a mammogram is easy. Many mammography centers have health education videos, and exam models to explain what will be done. You will usually tell your personal health history to a nurse or technician, be brought to a changing room, and from there go to the nearby test room. The machine is large with a platform for your breast. The helper will place your breast here and apply another tray on the breast to press it gently out for a flatter x-ray. This may be uncomfortable, but it allows the x-ray to see more of the tissue deep within your breast. Two or three different views of each breast are taken to check the whole breast. The x-rays are read by a radiologist and the results are reported to your provider.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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