What Every Woman Should Know about

Mammography

What is Mammography?

Why Should I Learn About Mammography?

Just being a woman puts you at risk for developing breast cancer.  Your average lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 9, if you live to age 85

A woman's risk increases with age - the older you are, the greater your risk.  However, a woman's risk of developing breast cancer in any given year is much lower than 1 in 9

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

The older a woman is, the greater her risk for breast cancer.  For example, women over age 65 are twice as likely to develop breast cancer as women age 40 to 64.

Women who have already had breast cancer are more likely to develop the disease again.

Women who start to menstruate at an early age face increased risk.  going through menopause at a late age increases risk as well.

Women who have their first child after age 30, or who never have a child, are at greater risk.

Women whose mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer are more likely to develop the disease.

Mammograms Are Recommended Generally for 2 Reasons

Breast cancer risk increases with age, regular screening is recommended starting at age 40.

A woman who has signs or symptoms of breast cancer should have a mammogram.  But remember - most breast lumps are NOT cancer.

Your health-care provider will recommend a schedule based on your personal and family health history.  General guidelines recommend a mammogram:

• once by age 40 (for later comparison)
• every 1-2 years between ages 40-49
• annually after age 50

• a lump in the breast or armpit
• a thickening in the breast
• a dimpling or other change in the skin or nipple
• nipple tenderness or discharge

The Advantages Of Mammography

Most experts feel that mammography is the best way to detect cancer when no symptoms exist.

Overall, the accuracy rate is very high - especially when used in combination with a physical exam.  Mammography is especially useful when a breast is very large, making lump detection more difficult.

Some Preparation Suggestions

Before you have a mammogram, keep these tips in mind:

Don't use deodorant, talcum powder, ointments or creams on your breasts or underarms on the day of your exam.  These products may contain substances that can make the mammogram hard to read

Dress comfortably, preferably in a 2 piece outfit such as a skirt or slacks and blouse, since you will undress above the waist for the exam.

Here's what will happen:

Your breast will be slowly pressed between two compression paddles.  Flattening out the breast makes sure all of the tissue can be seen. Compression can be uncomfortable, but any pain is usually brief.  Scheduling the exam for after your period (when breasts are less tender) can help.

The technologist will leave the room to take the X-Ray.  Each breast will be compressed and X-rayed from above and again from the side.  Both breasts are X-rayed for comparison.

A radiologist will compare X-rays of your breasts to each other, and to previous mammograms, if available.  He or she will look for shadows and patters of tissue density to detect problems.  Additional tests may be necessary.

Some Questions And Answers

Some women find compression uncomfortable.  Remember, compression is needed to get a clear X-ray of the breast with as little radiation as possible.

The best way is to make sure the facility is accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Costs vary.  Contact your local hospital to find out about sources of free or low-cost mammography.  Check your insurance policy to see if mammograms are covered.

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