What to expect when you go for a mammogram

Nearly 20 million women aged 15 and older are at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, says the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). The risk grows as you get older, but many under age 40 develop it, and you’re especially at risk if you have a family history of breast cancer, are overweight, inactive, consume alcohol, eat poorly, smoke, and are exposed to chemicals.

Early detection and treatment are essential. CANSA advises doing monthly self-examinations to feel for breast lumps, and going for clinical breast examinations every year – a visual and manual breast exam, to which women are entitled when visiting primary health centres, according to the National Department of Health’s Breast Cancer Policy. 

A national breast cancer mammogram screening programme currently doesn’t exist “because of insufficient funds to warrant screening when it is deemed that more important health issues exist,” notes the South African Journal of Radiology.

Most medical schemes cover mammograms, and for women not on one, the PinkDrive non-governmental organisation offers a select screening service primarily for women over 40.

What is a mammogram?

“A mammogram is a special X-ray to detect lumps in the breast, and is the gold standard,” says CANSA health specialist Professor Michael Herbst. It doesn’t prevent breast cancer but can save lives by detecting it as early as possible. Your breasts are compressed between two smooth, flat surfaces to spread out the breast tissue. The X-ray then captures images displayed on a computer screen where they are examined for any sign of cancer. A traditional mammogram creates two-dimensional images of the breast, and newer 3D mammograms (breast tomosynthesis) create 3D images. 

When should you go for a mammogram?

While Cansa advises going from age 40, talk to your health care provider about your specific risk factors, and the benefits and risks of screening (which exposes you to a degree of radiation), so together you can decide on the best screening schedule for you. “Women from the age of 40 should go for an annual mammogram for purposes of non-symptomatic breast screening,” says Clicks Wellness Expert, general practitioner Dr Aadil Khan. “Women 55 years and older should have a mammogram every two years, or if they choose, continue with an annual mammogram.” 

What to do?

• Book your appointment for a week after your period, when your breasts are usually not as tender as at other times. Discomfort is usually fleeting and bearable, but if you have a low pain threshold, take a painkiller an hour before your mammogram. Eat and drink as normal before going, and take any daily medication you may be on, says Prof Herbst.

• Wear a two-piece outfit, so you need only remove your top and your bra. You will be given a robe. Don’t wear neck or dangling ear jewellery. Wear flat shoes or low heels, as you stand for a mammogram and can be asked to lean forward or back to position your breasts. 

• Remember to take any previous mammogram images and reports with you or arrange for them to be sent through. “Comparison with prior mammograms significantly improves overall performance and can reduce referrals due to non-lesion locations,” Dr Khan says.

• Tie your hair up – loose hair will get in the way of the machine. 

• Don’t apply deodorant, talcum powder, perfume or body lotion under your arms or on your breasts the day of the mammogram – it can show up on the image and make detection of lumps more difficult. “It may cause a false positive result,” says Prof Herbst.

• Be sure to tell the radiography technologist if you have any breast problems or symptoms. 

• You will be notified of the results after the images have been studied and a report written, which may be after you have gone home.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com