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Our Breast Care Guidelines Over the past few years there has been some disagreement among major medical societies as to what is the best schedule for women to follow when it comes to having mammograms. Recommended guidelines include: Monthly Breast Self-Examination Starting as teenagers, all women should perform monthly breast self-examinations. Don’t let the fear of “finding something” prevent you from practicing this important procedure. Once you make breast self-examination a habit, you’ll find it easier to overcome any anxiety. If you’re not sure whether you are doing it correctly, check with your physician or visit our launch site, “How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination.” Clinical Breast Examination Your annual check-up should always include a breast examination by a doctor or nurse practitioner. Baseline Mammogram Obtain a baseline mammogram between ages 35 and 40. This X-ray will be used as a comparison to identify any changes that may have occurred in your breasts. Yearly Mammograms Starting at Age 40 A woman’s risk for breast cancer increases as she grows older. For this reason you should have a mammogram and a breast examination performed by a professional every year. If you have a first degree relative who was premenopausal when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, screenings should be started 10 years prior to her age at diagnosis. Stay Aware: If you detect any changes in your breasts – including a lump, thickening, swelling, pain, nipple discharge, or retraction of the nipple or skin – contact your doctor or The Betty Torricelli Institute for Breast Care. If There is a History of Breast Cancer Collect as much information as you can about your family’s breast cancer history and share this information with your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to The Betty Torricelli Institute for Breast Care’s high-risk program, where an individualized breast health plan will be developed with you. Preparing for Your Mammogram It is important to take a few extra steps to prepare for your mammogram so that the radiologist who interprets your exam has the best images possible. The ideal time to have your mammogram done is three to seven days after your menstrual period when your breasts are less lumpy and tender. This is the time breast compression can be most tolerated, therefore creating the best images possible with the lowest amount of radiation. It is essential to bring in any previous mammogram X-rays so that they can be used as a comparison. There may be subtle changes over time that may be significant and would otherwise go undetected. On the day of your mammogram, you should not use deodorant on your underarms or powder on your underarms or breasts. These products can cause bright dots that look like abnormalities on the X-ray films. If possible, wear a two-piece outfit so that you can easily remove your top or blouse. Your mammogram will be performed by a female mammography technologist, who has undergone extensive training and is certified in and dedicated to mammography. She will place your breast between two smooth, flat plastic surfaces attached to the mammography machine. The flat surfaces will compress your breast for just a few seconds. You may feel some discomfort, but compression is necessary to produce the best views with the lowest amount of radiation. The technologist will then position your other breast for the second part of the test. Additional mammographic views may be taken. This does not mean that something is wrong, simply that we tailor each study to the individual patient. An ultrasound examination may also be performed if the radiologist has determined it will help in interpreting your mammogram. |
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