{"id":3594,"date":"2019-02-05T06:11:02","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T06:11:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=3594"},"modified":"2021-05-25T17:25:44","modified_gmt":"2021-05-25T17:25:44","slug":"10-steps-to-follow-before-having-a-mammogram","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/10-steps-to-follow-before-having-a-mammogram\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Steps to Follow Before Having a Mammogram"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Mammograms use an x-ray image to screen for signs of breast cancer. Mammograms are important as they can help diagnose breast cancer early. This early detection lowers the number of breast cancer-related deaths. There are two types of mammograms that are performed routinely. A screening mammogram is done when there are no noticeable issues with the breasts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A diagnostic mammogram is done when there are concerns about the breasts. During a diagnostic mammogram more images are taken in order to determine what is causing the issue that the doctor is concerned about. It is typically recommended that a woman should get her first mammogram after the age of 40. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are at risk for developing breast cancer you may want to start a screening routine at an earlier age. Here are some steps that you should follow before going to have a mammogram done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. No Deodorant
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Most of us want to make sure that we smell good. Wearing deodorant is one of the ways that we can make sure that our underarms stay smelling good. However, when you are going for a mammogram <\/a>it is important to make sure that you do not put on your daily deodorant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for this is because the aluminum that is found in deodorant can actually alter the results of a mammogram. On a mammogram the deodorant will show up as white spots. These white spots look just like cancer spots. While you do not apply deodorant directly on the breasts, a mammogram takes images from under the arms as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do wear antiperspirant before your mammogram your technologist will ask you to wash it off so they can take a clearer picture. Many offices that provide mammograms will have wet wipes in the changing room so that you can wipe off your deodorant before your screening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Make the Appointment for After your Period
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Right before and during your period is when the breasts are typically the most sensitive<\/a>. During a mammogram, you will be sticking your boobs in between two metal plates. The machine will then flatten the tissues in the breasts. When your breasts are ultra-sensitive, this experience can be quite unpleasant and uncomfortable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to schedule your mammogram for a week after your period ends. This is the time of the month when the hormones in the body tend to be the most stable. If you cannot get into get a mammogram during this time, make sure that you know that your boobs may be sensitive and the mammogram may be a bit more uncomfortable for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to make sure that you prepare yourself for this. Taking aspirin or ibuprofen before your appointment may help you deal with the sensitivity and make the mammogram a bit more comfortable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Choose a Facility that is Certified
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When you are due for a mammogram you should always choose a facility that is certified. A certified center will follow an accreditation program. The best facilities are Centers of Excellence. These facilities will voluntarily go through further accreditation processes. These are set up through the American College of Radiology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A validated center reads mammograms every day. This means that you are assured to get a proper screening when it comes to your results and your procedures<\/a>. An office that only occasionally reads mammograms may not give you specific results and they also may miss something that shows up on the mammogram. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that you also do your research about the facility that you are planning to use for your mammogram. You can read reviews and learn more about the facility before you go there to get your mammogram. This can also help to ease your mind a bit before you go in for the procedure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Take Pain Reliever before your Appointment
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As mentioned, a mammogram involves putting pressure on your boobs. Your boobs will be placed between two metal plates. These plates will squeeze your boobs between them in order to get the image that is needed to see if there is anything abnormal in the tissues of the breasts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While this process is not necessarily painful, it can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. In addition, some women may experience some pain or tenderness <\/a>during and then after your mammogram is completed. One way to help deal with this pain and tenderness is to take an over the counter painkiller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some Tylenol or ibuprofen taken before you go in for your appointment can really help with this pain. If you forget to take a painkiller before your appointment and you are experiencing tenderness or pain afterward, you can take some then as this can help to ease the pain that you are having. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Family History
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When you go into get a mammogram you need to know your family history. Your doctor is going to ask you about your family’s medical history. This includes whether or not there is a history of breast cancer<\/a> in your family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason that the doctor wants to know this information is that if you have a relative that was diagnosed with breast cancer the chances of you developing breast cancer are higher. Even if there is no family history of breast cancer, it is important to still make sure that you go and get your mammogram each year. Only about five to ten percent of breast cancers are thought to come from your hereditary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is according to the American Cancer Society. This means that there are many women who do not have a family history of breast cancer who still are diagnosed with it. Your doctor will go over other risk factors for it as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. What to Expect
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When you go in for your mammogram appointment you should expect it to be quite quick. You will be asked to fill out some paperwork, including your family’s medical history. Once you have all the paperwork finished you will then be called back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will be given a hospital gown to put on. You will want the front open as you are going to be putting your breasts out onto the metal plates. You will also be asked to wipe your armpits in order to remove any antiperspirant <\/a>or deodorant. When you are ready you will then go in for the imaging process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The technologist will tell you how to stand and will help place your breasts into the machine. Typically four images will be taken. One of each breast from the side and one from the top. The entire process typically is completed in less than 30 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Reading the Mammogram
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If you are going in for a simple screening mammogram, you will be free to leave after your appointment. The radiologist will then read the mammogram either later that day or the next day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are having a diagnostic mammogram that is for looking more closely at a specific issue such as a lump or a discharge, a radiologist <\/a>will look at the images immediately after your appointment. You may be asked to stay and wait for the radiologist to talk to you about the results that they have found. You will receive a letter in the mail after your screening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This letter will tell you what was found in your screening and what the next steps are. If you receive an all-clear screening the letter will tell you when you should return for your next mammogram. This is typically in one to three years depending on your age. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Nothing to be afraid of
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When it comes to getting a mammogram there is really nothing to be afraid of. The entire process is quite simple and while it can be a bit uncomfortable, for most women it is not at all painful. The appointments typically only take about 30 minutes or so and then you are sent on your way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting a mammogram at the recommended time can provide you with peace of mind as you will be able to find out whether or not there is anything wrong. In addition, a regularly scheduled mammogram can help detect breast cancer at an early stage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding cancer <\/a>as early as possible is the best way to prevent it from spreading and leads to a higher survival rate. Look at a mammogram as a great precautionary measure that can save your life. If you are worried, try scheduling your mammogram with some friends and then go to lunch after. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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