Let’s Talk About Mammograms

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, second only to skin cancer, and it accounts for 30% of female cancer diagnoses each year. Thankfully, a screening process called a mammogram has been in place over the last 50 years that can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages.

Organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology recommend that you start getting mammograms regularly by age 40. You may need to begin consistent screenings earlier if your risk for breast cancer is higher.

Our team, led by Karen Mass, MD, FACOG, at Women’s Specialty Care in Lake Forest and Grayslake, Illinois, strongly believes in the importance of mammograms and what they can do for women’s health. This month’s blog highlights what you need to know about this all-too-important cancer screening.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that examines your breast tissue to detect any abnormalities that may indicate cancer. While you can’t get a cancer diagnosis through a mammogram alone, it’s an essential tool that provides information on whether or not you need further diagnostic testing. 

Screening mammograms are routine, or annual, tests that look for signs of breast cancer even when you don’t have any symptoms. This screening X-ray takes two pictures of your breasts, one from side-to-side and one from top-to-bottom.

Diagnostic mammograms may be necessary when you have new or concerning symptoms such as a lump in your breast or discharge from your nipples. This more in-depth imaging X-ray can take a much closer look at a specific area and provide the additional information needed. 

Who needs a mammogram?

The age at which you start getting mammograms and how often you need to go in for one depends on a variety of factors. It’s generally recommended that you get a mammogram every year or two beginning at age 40. However, you may need to start this yearly process earlier or do it more often if:

• You’ve previously had breast cancer 
• You have a family history of breast cancer
• You have dense breasts 

In addition, if you ever notice abnormalities in your breasts, schedule a supplemental mammogram quickly. You should never wait until your next yearly one to have your breasts examined for cancer. 

What happens during a mammogram?

To prepare for a mammogram, avoid wearing perfume, deodorant, or lotions, since those things can affect the X-ray images. Since you’ll need to undress from the waist up, you may also want to avoid wearing one-piece clothing items such as dresses or jumpsuits. 

When it’s time for your mammogram, you start by placing your breast on a support platform attached to the machine. We then place a plate over the top of your breast to compress it. This makes it easier for the X-ray machine to see the breast tissue. The compression only lasts a few minutes, but let our team know if it’s too painful ,and we can adjust as needed. 

Once the process is repeated on the other side, you can redress and head home.

You should receive your mammogram results after a few days, and our team will talk you through what the different imaging results mean. If the test is normal, you can schedule your next one for a year or two out. However, if the mammogram finds an abnormality, we can discuss what the next steps are for additional testing. 

Mammograms are an essential tool for early cancer detection. Schedule your next one today by calling your nearest Women’s Specialty Care office location or using our online booking feature.