Regional Cancer Program at Grand View Hospital
10 Tips for Getting a Mammogram
In celebration of Paint the Town Pink, Grand View Hospital’s breast cancer awareness campaign, take a look at these 10 tips from the American Cancer Society on getting a mammogram:
- Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
- Use a facility that specializes in mammograms or that performs many (at least three to five) each day. Ask to see the FDA certificate showing that the facility meets high professional standards.
- If you are satisfied with the facility, continue to go there each year so that your mammograms can be compared from year to year. If not, take copies of your old mammograms to a new facility so that they will have them for comparison.
- Mammogram costs, or a percentage of them, are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health plans. Call the American Cancer Society to find out about low-cost mammograms in your area.
- If you have sensitive breasts, try having your mammogram at the time of the month when your breasts will be least tender. Try to avoid the week right before your period. This will help lessen the discomfort.
- The procedure will require you to undress to the waist, but you will be given a gown to wear.
- Deodorant, powder or cream under your arms may interfere with the quality of the mammogram.
- Only you and the technologist who positions your breasts will be present for the mammogram, and most technologists are women.
- The entire procedure should take about 20 minutes and should include two views of each breast.
- If you do not hear from your doctor within 10 days, do not assume that your mammogram is normal. Call your doctor or facility if you do not receive your results.
Remember: If you have a lump in your breast, you will need more tests even if your mammogram is normal.
Source: American Cancer Society, 10 Tips for Getting a Mammogram |
