Special to The Island News
If you’re at average risk for breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms starting no later than age 45. You can then switch to every other year after age 55.
“No matter what age you are, it’s important to take control of your breast health,” says Dr. Evan J. Wolff, a board-certified radiologist at Beaufort Memorial who is fellowship-trained in breast radiology. “A little effort can make all the difference in creating a positive experience.”
Here’s how to make the most of your breast screening.
Schedule it at the right time
Your mammogram should fit into your social calendar and monthly cycle.
While you can undergo a mammogram at any time of the month, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends against mammograms during your period or the week leading up to it. During the last two weeks of your cycle, your breasts may be tender, become more dense or swell, making the mammogram less comfortable.
To avoid these issues, schedule your first mammogram and every other one during the first couple of weeks of your cycle.
Pick a trusted provider
When scheduling your mammogram, make sure your healthcare provider of choice has experience and advanced technology.
- Experience — A screening mammogram looks for signs of cancer. If this detects potential cancer, a diagnostic mammogram confirms or denies the presence of cancer. Your mammography provider should have experience with both types of mammography.
- Technology — A mammogram is an X-ray that photographs breast tissue. New digital technology (digital breast tomosynthesis) takes pictures from multiple angles. These combine to produce three-dimensional images. “With 3D mammography, you get more thorough imaging,” Dr. Wolff says. “This reduces the likelihood that you’ll need repeat tests. It also makes it easier to detect breast cancer in women, even in dense breast tissue.”
Dress for success
“Believe it or not, what you wear to your mammogram matters,” Dr. Wolff says. “Wear the wrong outfit, and you may make your experience less than ideal.”
How should you dress up for your appointment? Here are a few dos and don’ts.
- Beauty products — Powder, lotion, cosmetics, perfume and deodorant can cause abnormalities in your screening. Don’t use them on the day of your exam. If you do have any products on your breasts or armpits, request a wipe to clean the breast and armpit areas before your exam.
- Clothing — When you come for a mammogram, you have to change into a gown. To make the transition easy, wear a blouse and a skirt, shorts or pants. This way, you can keep your lower half covered throughout your experience.
- Jewelry — Before your exam, you must remove dangling earrings and necklaces. To prevent the risk of losing any jewelry, it’s best to leave it at home.
- Shoes — Unlike some imaging tests, a mammogram requires you to stand during the screening. Prevent foot pain by wearing comfortable shoes and saving your high heels for another day.
Give your technologist the scoop
Communication plays a big role in a positive mammography experience. Before heading to the mammography machine, tell your technologist about anything that could affect your test results, such as:
- Being pregnant or breastfeeding;
- Changes or problems you’ve noticed in your breasts, such as breast pain;
- Difficulty standing without a walking device, such as a cane or walker;
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded at any point during your mammogram; and/or …
- Having breast implants.
You should also bring a list of your medications. If you prefer, bring your medications with you instead.
All of this information allows your technologist to better serve your needs. It helps you stay safe during your exam and ensure any potential problem areas are investigated.
Ignore the myths
There are many myths about mammograms. Believe them, and they can keep you from the breast healthcare you deserve.
Common myths you may believe include:
- Insurance won’t cover it — Most health plans, including Medicare, cover annual mammograms.
- It hurts too much — Compressing your breasts can be uncomfortable, but few women find the screening painful. If a mammogram causes pain, over-the-counter pain medication should help.
- It takes too long — Even the busiest schedules have room for an annual mammogram. In just 30 minutes, you can find out whether you have breast cancer. This quick screening can possibly save your life.
- It’s not for me — “High breast density, a family history of breast cancer and never breastfeeding put women at higher risk for breast cancer,” Dr. Wolff says. “However, you can get breast cancer without any risk factors. Regardless of your risk level, undergoing regular mammograms is essential for everyone.”
- The copay is too high — Many programs are available to offset your out-of-pocket mammography cost.
- Beaufort Memorial still offering screening mammograms for $99 until end of October
- This month, Beaufort Memorial has partnered with MDSave to offer $99 3D mammograms at three locations in the Lowcountry.
- Patients who purchase the $99 mammogram voucher by the end of the month will be able to schedule their screening appointments anytime within six months of purchase.
- Appointments are available in Beaufort, Okatie and on Hilton Head Island, and can be purchased online at BeaufortMemorial.org/SaveOnMammos.
