What Can You Expect During Your First Mammogram? and Other Questions, Answers

Another day is still Breast Cancer Awareness Month , but mammograms are important year round. And while some may have had their fair share of meetings over the years, others are just entering – or approaching – that moment in their lives. But even with previous experience, mammography can be a source of stress and anxiety.

To make it easier – and ideally more bearable – for everyone involved, we’ve put together this guide to guide you through the process with the input of the experts as well as those on the opposite side of the car. … Given that there is a lot of information out there about mammography and breast cancer, we cannot cover everything here, but we hope that this information will at least help you prepare for your next (or first) visit.

What is mammography?

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to look for early signs of breast cancer, sometimes even before you feel any lumps during self-examination. There are now traditional 2D mammograms, as well as a new type called digital breast tomosynthesis (or 3D mammogram), which are not yet available in all breast imaging centers, but are becoming more common.

If you are unsure at what age or how often you should get mammograms, see the American Cancer Society guidelines . If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may start getting it at age 30, not 40. The first mammogram is also called a “baseline mammogram” because it serves as a reference point for all future mammograms.

Although mammograms use small amounts of radiation, this does not mean that they are unsafe . For example, the radiation dose from a mammogram is about two months of the normal background radiation for the average person. “One of the common myths is that mammography causes cancer,” Dr. Priyanka Vaidya, a physician at Pall Mall Medical , told Lifehacker. “It’s [inaccurate] because mammograms use very small doses of radiation – it’s like taking an X-ray, which means it doesn’t cause cancer in any way.”

Is mammography painful?

It all depends. A 2020 study published in the journal Radiography found that some people experience more discomfort than others during mammography. But there was no correlation between breast size, breast tightness or overall grip strength and pain.

“By itself, mammography is not a painful procedure,” explains Vaidya. “The act of squeezing, which is an integral part of a mammogram to help flatten the breast so that the X-ray can penetrate, can sometimes be uncomfortable. However, just knowing why squeezing is necessary and how it helps the clinician get better images to eliminate the possibility of early cancer scans can comfort and ease any anxiety. “

In situations where her patients find the compression pain unbearable, she advises them to take some anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen 30 minutes before the procedure. “Some women also find that doing some deep breathing exercises before the procedure can also help reduce pain,” she adds.

How can I prepare for a mammogram?

Aside from taking a pain reliever before you take it, here are a few things you can (or, in some cases, should) do:

Do not use deodorants, lotions, or similar products.

When you have made or confirmed your appointment, the office probably (or at least should have) told you not to use deodorants, lotions, oils, powders, or perfume when you come for a scan, as these products may show up in the form of white spots on the X-ray.

Choose pants or a skirt

If you wear dresses regularly, you might want to plan other outfits for the day of the meeting. Because you have to be topless, at least if you are wearing a skirt, slacks or other pants, you will have something on the bottom half.

Make an appointment after your period

“The phase of your menstrual cycle does not affect the accuracy of mammograms,” Dr. Habib Rahbar , clinical director of breast imaging at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, told Lifehacker. So don’t worry about it. But if you have breast tenderness or tenderness before and / or during your period, Vaidya recommends making an appointment 7-10 days after your period starts.

Bring documentation if you are a beginner

If this is your first visit to an imaging center, bring a list of locations and dates of mammograms, biopsies, or other breast treatments you have had previously so that all of this information is on hand if you need it.

What happens during a mammogram?

First of all, the breast crushing portion of your visit usually only takes about 10 minutes to complete , and the actual breast compression only lasts a few seconds each time. Of course, you have many other parts of your trick, but it might be helpful for you to know that rendering is pretty fast.

It all starts with taking off your clothes and underwear above the waist and putting on a light hospital gown. (If you have large breasts and usually have trouble buttoning your regular hospital gowns, be aware that many imaging centers offer gowns in different sizes.) We will let the CDC pick it up from here :

You will be standing in front of a special x-ray machine. The technologist will place your breast on a plastic plate. Another plate on top will press your chest tightly. The plates flatten the breast by holding it still while the x-ray is taken. You will feel some pressure. The steps are repeated to create a side view of the chest. X-rays of the other breast will be taken in the same way. Then you wait for the technologist to check the four x-rays to make sure the images do not need to be redone.

The technologist cannot tell you the results of your mammogram, but they will take the images to the doctor (radiologist) to see if there is anything that needs closer examination. In some cases, you will be asked to stay for an ultrasound scan, but if you do not need it, then that’s it – you go on with your life, and usually within a week to 10 days the radiologist will send you official results. to you and your therapist.

What happens if I need an ultrasound scan?

Sometimes a radiologist will look at your mammogram and want more information. If this happens, don’t panic. There are several reasons why a more detailed examination of your breast and its blood flow may be necessary. These include :

• The presence of dense breast tissue, which makes it difficult to get a clear image with X-rays alone.
• For some other reason, the X-rays were not clear, or parts of the breast were left unselected.
• There is one part of the chest where the fabric looks different.
• The radiologist found calcifications or a mass (which could be a cyst).

Usually, you get the ultrasound results on the same day and either get complete clarity, or are asked to return six months later for follow-up, or are told you need to schedule a biopsy for further testing (and it’s important to know that ordering a biopsy does not automatically mean cancer ).

If I know I have tight breasts, do I need to do an X-ray?

If, after your first mammogram, you find that you have dense breast tissue and need an ultrasound scan, you may wonder if that means you’re done with squelching x-rays for good. Sorry, no.

“A common myth is that mammography does not help women with tight breasts,” explains Rahbar. “Although mammograms may detect fewer cancers in women with dense breasts, they are still valuable and detect many cancers. You should continue to have mammograms, especially with 3D or tomosynthesis technology, if available, regardless of the density of your breasts.

Should I have a routine mammogram during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Now that we have a better understanding of how the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads, Rahbar says it is generally very safe to have mammograms “if you are willing to take precautions at your center, which may include symptoms, screening on the day of admission, or wearing a mask for throughout the session. Screening mammography can save lives, you should continue to have mammography. ”

What if I can’t afford a mammogram?

Medicare , Medicaid, and most private insurance companies cover the cost of mammograms. Under the Affordable Care Act, all new health insurance plans must cover mammography every 1 to 2 years for women age 40 and older at no additional out-of-pocket cost.

If you are not insured or insufficiently insured and do not think you can reduce the cost of screening, you can get it for free or at a low cost through the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. where tests for cervical cancer are also done. It is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, six US Territories, and 13 Native American / Alaska Native tribal organizations. You can find out if you are eligible for the program by visiting the program website .

If you live in New York State, the NYS Cancer Services Program offers free breast cancer screening and diagnosis services to uninsured and eligible residents. There are other state and local programs that also offer free or low-cost mammograms. The following organizations can help you find one in your area (although not necessarily conducting searches themselves):

• National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
• Breast Cancer Assistance Program
• Planned paternity
• Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
• Freemammograms.org

What is mammography like?

For some people, mammography is not difficult. But for others, they are a major source of anxiety and physical pain (or at least discomfort). Many different factors come into play here, including your personal pain tolerance and the type of equipment you use, so just having a friend with a bad experience doesn’t mean you will be the same. … Here’s a little more from people who have gone through this.

What does it mean to be a topless acrobat

“After your first mammogram, you will be able to answer the lifelong question of what it would be like to be a topless acrobat. But incorporating a mammogram into your yearly rotation of wellness visits shouldn’t be as difficult as you might imagine. Remember your first visit to the gynecologist? Your first trip to the dentist? If you remember that your annual breastfeeding is as routine as your yearly Pap smear, when that reminder of the meeting disappears, you and your boobs will be ready. ” – Meredith Goldberg, author of From Cocktails to Chemotherapy: A Guide to Fighting Cancer at 30 .

Size matters

“My personal experience was definitely full of the unknown combined with anxiety because I was diagnosed with breast cancer a few days after my last mammogram in July 2020. I honestly still deny and pray for the day when I will be cancer free. I believe that everyone can have a different experience when they have a mammogram, because our bodies are different. I also feel that the size of your breasts plays a role in the feel of the process, especially if you have implants like mine! “- Sonia Dalton-McRoberts, celebrity coach, former professional basketball player and founder of Total You By Sonya D.

Inconvenient but routine

“My mammograms were common. A bit uncomfortable, but they were common. Feelings of anxiety and anxiety have always been the background, partly because I knew the statistics that one in eight women have breast cancer, and also because I knew that I have fibrous breasts, which means ultrasound examinations and further examinations. To avoid fear of anyone, mammography can be inconvenient, but giving chemotherapy infusions every two weeks is much more inconvenient. By doing a mammogram, you are taking the initiative and taking care of yourself. Self-care should be celebrated! – Tina Zaremba, voice actress and host of the Chemo Stories podcast .

Tips to Improve Your Mammography Experience

While you will probably never get to enjoy mammograms, there are several ways you can make them more bearable. Here are some tips from professionals who make money on mammograms as well as other people with personal experience.

Avoid caffeine

As much as you love / need your morning cup (s) of coffee, you can skip caffeinated drinks on the day of your mammogram. “This trade-off may not be worth it for many women, but caffeine consumption can increase sensitivity,” says Lifehacker Jennifer Cantu RT (R) (M) (CT), registered technologist and clinical specialist at Volpara Health .

Stay away from the internet

A quick scrolling on Instagram while you’re waiting for your appointment can quickly lead to a search for “mammograms and cancer,” and before you know it, you’re scrolling through cancer, as Goldberg says. “Bring a book, read a magazine, or watch the television they have on in their reception,” she advises. “Sometimes you are lucky and have a” Golden Girls “!”

Go with a friend

If you don’t want to go alone, ask a friend to be your mom partner. “Some friends make it a holiday, planning a mammogram every year in a row and then a holiday dinner,” says Cantu.

Give yourself enough time

While the procedure itself can be quick, the entire process can take some time. Rather than suggesting that you can get your mammogram squeezed in during your lunch break, Goldberg suggests that you give yourself plenty of time for your appointment – the rush will only increase your anxiety.

Don’t put it off

If you’re nervous about a mammogram, make an appointment if you’ve scheduled one – even just knowing that this part has been done can help you manage your anxiety. “Just remember that by having a mammogram, you are taking an important proactive step towards living longer and healthier,” says Rahbar.

Concentrate and breathe

Your mind may be racing fast, but try to stay in the moment. “You are where your attention is,” says Zaremba. “Focus on what you are grateful for and breathe. These mammograms save lives. ”

Be vocal

It is perfectly appropriate – and encouraged – to ask as many questions as necessary during the appointment. “Even if you think this is the most trivial question, nurses and radiologists are always ready to help you,” says Goldberg. “So if you want to know the difference between a 3D mammogram and a regular mammogram, ask someone, not just Google, when you get home.”

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