Mammograms Do Save Lives! Part 1
I specialized in Mammography for 25 years. This exam is possibly the most hated by women. Unfortunately, it's all we have for now. It's the only exam that will detect early stage Breast Cancer. Many patients experience pain and discomfort from the compression of the breast, but firm compression is most important.
The purposes of firm compression are to stabilize and separate the breast tissue to see it more clearly. It also thins the breast, resulting in a lower dose of radiation. I went to a seminar, and they presented two exams on the same patient. One with light compression, and one with firm compression. The light one was read as normal, but the firm one clearly showed a cancerous area. Scary!!
Another reason for firm compression is to minimize motion. Think of a photograph with something moving during the picture. What happens? You guessed it! Blurring occurs causing loss of detail. This is why X-Ray techs say "hold your breath!"
A routine Mammogram consists of 4 images, 2 views of each breast. This is necessary to localize a suspicious area. Extremely large breasted women require more images because their breasts are too large for the film! Breast implant patients require 8 images. The first 4 images are the standard views, mostly to see the axillary (armpit) area and the overall condition of the implant itself. The other 4 images are referred to as 'push back' views. The implant is 'pushed back' and only the breast tissue is compressed and imaged.
You should get your first (screening) Mammogram at age 40. Your 'risk factors' determine how often you should have one. It is important to make prior Mammograms available for the Radiologist to compare the images. He can detect changes in the tissue and respond more accurately. You might have a 'suspicious' area that would result in a 'call back' for additional views, but if a Prior Mammogram showed the same thing and it is unchanged, then you would not have to get the additional views.
Risk factors are:
1) Family history of breast cancer
2) Early menses (started your period before age 12)
3) Late menapause
4) Hormone replacement therapy
5) Long term use of birth control pills
The Environment and a poor diet have also been linked to breast cancer. You should eat a Healthy Diet to help lower your breast cancer risk. Sadly, we can't avoid the environment!
If you are in the normal risk factor range, you should get your first Mammogram at age 40. Follow up every 2 years until you are 50. After that, once a year is the standard for all women.
Your risk factor is even higher if your mother, maternal aunt, sister or grandmother had Premenapausal (younger than age 50) Breast cancer. This is a more aggressive form due to hormones accelerating its' growth. In this case I would recommend your first Mammogram at age 35 and have yearly follow-ups.
Before you have your Mammogram, make sure the facility and the Radiologist are Accredited! You will receive the best quality because they have to follow strict guidelines on a daily basis.
If you have tender breasts, try cutting back on caffeine and take a daily dose of Vitamin E. This has been proven to decrease sensitivity in your breast.
Please get a Mammogram! Your loved ones will appreciate it!