Understanding the Importance of Regular Mammography Screenings

 

Mammography

What is Mammogram?

Mammogram is a specific type of breast imaging that uses low-dose X-rays to examine the human breast. During a mammogram screening, the breast is compressed between two plates which helps spread out the tissue allowing the radiologist to get clear images. Several images are taken of each breast from different angles. Mammogram allows a radiologist to detect any abnormalities, like breast lumps or masses, that may be cancerous or precancerous. It is considered the gold standard for breast cancer screening and early detection.

The Mammogram Procedure

A Mammography usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete. When arriving for your screening, you will be asked to remove any jewelry or accessories you have on in the breast or underarm area. You will then be instructed to remove your top and bra. The technologist will position your breast on the mammogram machine one at a time. They will carefully position and compress your breast between two plastic plates or paddles. Compression is necessary to spread out the breast tissue and obtain clear images but should not cause pain. Multiple images will be taken of each breast from different angles. The technologist may need to reposition or compress your breast slightly differently for different views. Once complete, you can get dressed and wait for your results.

Interpreting Mammography Results

A radiologist will carefully examine and analyze all the images taken during your mammogram. They are looking for any abnormalities in breast tissue patterns or structures. On a screening mammogram, the radiologist may report the results as: negative or normal, benign findings, or abnormal findings requiring additional testing like a diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound. A negative or normal mammogram means no suspicious changes were seen. Benign findings usually refer to noncancerous lumps like cysts that do not require biopsy but may need continued monitoring. Abnormal findings are suspicious changes that require further diagnostic testing to properly characterize the lesion. The radiologist will recommend the appropriate next steps based on their analysis of your mammogram results.

The Importance of Early Detection

Screening mammograms play an important role in cancer detection and treatment outcomes. When breast cancer is found and treated at its earliest stage—DCIS, it has a 100% 5-year survival rate. This emphasizes the lifesaving potential of regular mammogram screenings. Finding breast cancers early, before they can be felt or cause symptoms, allows for more treatment options. Smaller breast cancers typically have not yet spread outside of the breast and have higher cure rates with less aggressive treatment like lumpectomy instead of mastectomy in some cases. Delaying screening mammograms until after physical signs or symptoms of breast cancer arise leads to worse prognoses overall on average. That is why regular mammogram is recommended even for women with no family history or symptoms—as a preventative screening tool to detect small, nonpalpable tumors at their earliest and most treatable stages.

Who Should Get Yearly Mammography and When to Start

The American Cancer Society currently recommends that women:

- Get mammograms starting at age 40

- Continue annual mammograms through age 54

- After age 54, women can transition to getting mammograms every other year or continue annual screening

Women at higher than average risk for breast cancer due to family history or certain genetic risks should speak with their doctor about customized screening recommendations. Mammograms are not recommended for those under age 40 except under special circumstances due to the increased density of younger breast tissue which can impact accuracy. All women should talk to their doctor about their individual risk factors and the best screening schedule for their situation. The goal is to find potential problems as early as possible while minimizing any unnecessary tests or procedures.

Reducing Mammogram Discomfort

While mammograms provide a crucial breast health screening, the compression of breast tissue can cause discomfort for some women. Here are some tips that may help reduce discomfort during a mammogram:

- Schedule your exam for the week after your period when breasts tend to be less tender and swollen

- Apply a heating pad or take an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment to help breasts feel relaxed

- Inform the technologist right away if any spot feels especially uncomfortable so they can try repositioning

- Practice deep breathing and try to relax your shoulders during the brief compression

- Ask your doctor about a prescriptionpain medication to take before screening if discomfort has previously caused you to miss or delay mammograms

- Request a facility that uses newer mammogram equipment designed to spread compression more evenly

Being proactive about any discomfort can help women feel more at ease during scans and comply with recommended screening schedules. Communicating needs openly with the mammogram technologist also allows them to best perform high quality scans while minimizing pain.

regular mammography is the most effective screening tool we have for the early detection of breast cancer. When cancers are found in their earliest, nonpalpable stages through screening mammograms, survival rates are near 100%. All women should speak with their doctor about the best screening schedule based on their individual risk factors and ensure any discomfort concerns are addressed. Following screening guidelines empowers women to monitor their breast health proactively.

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About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)