Early diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer they continue to be crucial in saving lives. Which means that regular checkups and screenings need to be widely adopted. In addition to regular self-examination of breast tissue for lumps, bumps, and other irregularities in and around the breast, including in the armpit, medical exams by a doctor or careful checkups with equipment may help nip cancer in the bud.
The procedure takes a few minutes and only very few women experience extreme pain.
By far the most reliable method of early detection is mammography, which is an x-ray of the breast that looks for changes and signs that could indicate breast cancer. A mammography machine compresses the breast between two plates to obtain an image. Most women report feeling only slight discomfort during the x-ray process due to the pressure against their breasts.
The procedure takes a few minutes and only a very few women experience extreme pain, most often with a tumor. Newer machines have reduced the amount of compression and the duration, which makes for a more comfortable experience.
But what is there to know?
5 things to know before you get your first mammogram
Can you get a mammogram while breastfeeding?
Breast tissue density increases in women who breastfeed. The main reason for this is the secretion of milk in the lactating breast and the subsequent filling of the milk ducts, as well as the increase in the density of the glandular tissue that produces milk. This may slightly reduce the sensitivity and accuracy of mammograms. However, it does not completely invalidate the results of the procedure, as it still helps in diagnosis. While less dense tissue, such as fat, appears gray on the breast X-ray, more dense tissue will appear white. This could be confusing as tumors are also made up of dense tissue and therefore appear white on the image. But medical professionals will always order more tests if something looks suspicious.
Doctors also advise mothers to breastfeed before having a mammogram to reduce the amount of milk present in the breast tissue, thereby reducing density to provide a clearer image.
Can women with breast implants get a mammogram?
Breast implants are not an obstacle to the examination of breast tissue by mammography, ultrasound or MRI. The pressure applied during a mammogram will not damage the implant, contrary to popular belief.
Detailed images can be obtained by selecting the correct dose and schedule to examine the breast. However, people with implants are advised to have an ultrasound and a mammogram during their annual breast exam.
What should you do before getting a mammogram?
There is no need to prepare before a mammogram. The only thing you need to make sure of is that you are not using cosmetics such as skin ointments or underarm powder deodorants before taking the test.
These products may appear as white spots on the x-ray and be labeled as suspicious. Additionally, women who experience a lot of breast tenderness before and during menstruation may benefit from having the exam afterwards for ease and comfort.
Who might need a breast ultrasound?
Breast ultrasonography is performed as a complementary examination in patients with dense breast tissue, those who have undergone mammography for screening or diagnostic purposes, as a primary procedure in the evaluation of the axillary region (i.e., the armpits) for those under 40 years of age and as a guide method in biopsy procedures.
Breast ultrasounds are not usually done to screen for breast cancer. They also do not require special preparation and can be performed even during pregnancy.
How often should a mammogram be done?
Mammograms should be done regularly once a year starting at age 20. Screenings may be recommended at a younger age for women in high-risk groups. That is, those with a family history of breast cancer.
In addition to a yearly mammogram and ultrasound, doctors also recommend routine follow-up MRIs for women in the high-risk group.
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