How to prepare for a mammogram. What should you avoid before a mammogram. When is the best time to schedule a mammogram. What to expect during a mammogram procedure. How long does a mammogram take. How often should you get a mammogram.

The Importance of Mammograms in Breast Cancer Detection

Mammograms play a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer, a disease that affects one in eight women in the United States. These screenings can detect tumors in their earliest stages, potentially making the difference between life and death. Understanding the significance of mammograms and how to properly prepare for them is essential for all women.

Optimal Timing: When to Schedule Your Mammogram

Proper timing is key when scheduling your mammogram appointment. Here are some important factors to consider:

• Schedule your mammogram at least one week after your menstrual cycle to minimize breast tenderness and tissue sensitivity.
• Aim to book your appointment on or near the same date annually to maintain consistency in your screening routine.
• Yearly mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40.

Is there an ideal time of the month for a mammogram? The best time is typically during the week following your menstrual period when breast tissue is least likely to be swollen or tender.

Pre-Mammogram Preparations: What to Avoid

To ensure the most accurate results from your mammogram, there are certain things you should avoid in the days leading up to your appointment:

Caffeine Consumption

Should you avoid caffeine before a mammogram? Yes, it’s advisable to steer clear of coffee, energy drinks, and other caffeinated foods and beverages for a day or two before the exam. Caffeine can increase breast tissue tenderness, potentially making the procedure more uncomfortable.

Deodorants, Perfumes, and Lotions

On the day of your mammogram, avoid applying deodorant, perfume, or lotion. These products may contain aluminum flecks that can appear on the mammogram images, making them more difficult to interpret accurately.

Comfort Measures: Preparing for Your Mammogram

While mammograms are generally quick procedures, taking steps to ensure your comfort can make the experience more positive:

• Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen one to two hours before your appointment to reduce potential discomfort during and after the mammogram.
• Wear comfortable clothing, preferably a two-piece outfit, so you only need to remove your top and bra for the examination.
• Avoid wearing jewelry or choose pieces that can be quickly and easily removed.

How can you make a mammogram more comfortable? In addition to the steps above, communicating any concerns or discomfort to your technician during the procedure can help them adjust the process to make it more comfortable for you.

Preparing Your Medical Information

Providing comprehensive medical information can enhance the effectiveness of your mammogram:

• Bring any records or films from previous mammograms performed at other facilities. This allows for comparison and helps your doctor spot any abnormalities more effectively.
• Inform your doctor or mammogram technician if there’s any possibility you might be pregnant.
• Communicate any changes or abnormalities you’ve noticed during breast self-exams to your technician.

Why is it important to bring previous mammogram records? Having access to your previous mammogram results allows radiologists to compare and detect any changes in your breast tissue over time, which is crucial for early detection of potential issues.

What to Expect During Your Mammogram

Understanding the mammogram procedure can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a smoother experience:

• The entire mammogram exam typically takes about 30 minutes.
• You’ll be given a hospital gown to wear with the opening in the front.
• A radiologist will review the images and send a report to your doctor.
• Your doctor will contact you to discuss the results.

What happens if there are suspicious findings on your mammogram? It’s important to note that “suspicious findings” often refer to things like cysts, dense breast tissue, or image quality issues rather than cancer. Many women have suspicious findings in their first mammogram because there are no previous images for comparison. If a follow-up mammogram or breast ultrasound is ordered, it’s often out of an abundance of caution rather than a definitive indication of a problem.

Understanding Mammogram Results and Follow-Up Care

After your mammogram, it’s crucial to understand how results are interpreted and what steps may follow:

BI-RADS Scoring System

Mammogram results are often categorized using the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) score. This standardized system helps radiologists communicate the level of concern about mammogram findings:

• BI-RADS 0: Incomplete – Additional imaging evaluation needed
• BI-RADS 1: Negative
• BI-RADS 2: Benign finding
• BI-RADS 3: Probably benign finding – Short-term follow-up suggested
• BI-RADS 4: Suspicious abnormality – Biopsy should be considered
• BI-RADS 5: Highly suggestive of malignancy – Appropriate action should be taken
• BI-RADS 6: Known biopsy-proven malignancy

How does the BI-RADS score affect follow-up care? Your BI-RADS score will guide your healthcare provider in determining the next steps, whether it’s routine screening, additional imaging, or a biopsy.

Follow-Up Procedures

Depending on your mammogram results, you may need additional tests or procedures:

• Diagnostic mammogram: A more detailed X-ray of the breast
• Breast ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue
• Breast MRI: Provides detailed images using magnetic fields and radio waves
• Breast biopsy: Removal of a small sample of breast tissue for laboratory analysis

When should you expect mammogram results? Typically, you should receive your results within a few days to a week after your mammogram. If you haven’t heard back within two weeks, it’s advisable to contact your healthcare provider.

The Role of Regular Mammograms in Breast Health

Regular mammograms are a cornerstone of breast health and cancer prevention. Here’s why they’re so important:

• Early detection: Mammograms can detect breast cancer up to three years before it can be felt through a physical exam.
• Improved treatment outcomes: Early detection often means more treatment options and better chances of survival.
• Monitoring changes: Regular screenings allow for the detection of subtle changes in breast tissue over time.
• Peace of mind: For many women, regular screenings provide reassurance about their breast health.

How often should you get a mammogram? The American Cancer Society recommends that women with average risk begin yearly mammograms at age 45, with the option to start at age 40. Women 55 and older can switch to mammograms every two years or continue with yearly screening.

Risk Factors and Personalized Screening Plans

While general guidelines exist, it’s important to consider individual risk factors when determining your mammogram schedule:

• Family history of breast cancer
• Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast conditions
• Dense breast tissue
• Genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2)
• Previous chest radiation therapy

How do risk factors affect mammogram recommendations? Women with higher risk factors may be advised to start mammograms earlier, have them more frequently, or undergo additional screening methods such as breast MRI. It’s crucial to discuss your personal risk factors with your healthcare provider to develop a tailored screening plan.

Technological Advancements in Mammography

The field of mammography continues to evolve, with new technologies improving the accuracy and comfort of breast cancer screening:

3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)

This advanced technique takes multiple images of the breast from different angles, creating a three-dimensional picture. Benefits of 3D mammography include:

• Improved detection of breast cancers, especially in women with dense breast tissue
• Reduced need for follow-up imaging
• Lower false-positive rates

Is 3D mammography more effective than traditional 2D mammography? Studies have shown that 3D mammography can detect more cancers and reduce false positives compared to 2D mammography, particularly in women with dense breast tissue.

Contrast-Enhanced Mammography

This technique involves injecting a contrast agent before the mammogram to highlight areas of increased blood flow, which can indicate the presence of tumors. It may be particularly useful for women who cannot undergo breast MRI.

Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS)

ABUS is a supplemental screening tool that can be particularly beneficial for women with dense breast tissue. It uses sound waves to create 3D images of the breast, potentially detecting cancers that may be missed on a mammogram.

How do these new technologies impact breast cancer detection? These advancements aim to increase the accuracy of breast cancer screening, reduce false positives, and provide more comprehensive information about breast health, ultimately leading to earlier detection and improved outcomes for patients.

Overcoming Barriers to Mammogram Screening

Despite the importance of regular mammograms, many women face barriers to getting screened. Addressing these obstacles is crucial for improving breast cancer detection rates:

Fear and Anxiety

Many women experience anxiety about the mammogram procedure or the potential results. To overcome this:

• Educate yourself about the procedure and its importance
• Communicate your concerns with your healthcare provider or mammogram technician
• Consider bringing a supportive friend or family member to your appointment
• Practice relaxation techniques before and during the procedure

How can healthcare providers help reduce mammogram anxiety? Providers can offer clear information about the procedure, create a welcoming and comfortable environment, and provide emotional support throughout the screening process.

Access and Affordability

For some women, access to mammogram facilities or concerns about cost can be significant barriers. Solutions include:

• Mobile mammography units that bring screening services to underserved areas
• Low-cost or free mammogram programs for eligible women
• Telemedicine consultations to discuss mammogram results and follow-up care

What resources are available for women who can’t afford mammograms? Many hospitals, clinics, and organizations offer free or low-cost mammograms. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides breast cancer screening to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women across the United States.

Cultural and Language Barriers

Addressing cultural sensitivities and language differences is crucial for ensuring all women have access to mammogram screening:

• Providing educational materials in multiple languages
• Offering interpreter services at mammogram facilities
• Training healthcare providers in cultural competence
• Engaging community leaders to promote breast cancer awareness and screening

How can healthcare systems better serve diverse populations? By implementing culturally sensitive practices, providing language support, and collaborating with community organizations, healthcare systems can improve mammogram access and utilization among diverse populations.

The Future of Breast Cancer Screening

As research in breast cancer detection continues to advance, we can expect to see new developments that may revolutionize how we approach breast cancer screening:

Artificial Intelligence in Mammography

AI algorithms are being developed to assist radiologists in interpreting mammograms. These tools have the potential to:

• Improve the accuracy of breast cancer detection
• Reduce the workload on radiologists
• Provide more consistent interpretations across different healthcare settings

How might AI change the future of mammography? While AI is not expected to replace human radiologists, it could serve as a powerful tool to enhance their capabilities, potentially leading to earlier detection of breast cancer and reduced false positives.

Personalized Screening Approaches

Research is ongoing to develop more tailored breast cancer screening strategies based on individual risk factors. This may involve:

• Genetic testing to identify high-risk individuals
• Customized screening schedules based on personal risk profiles
• Integration of multiple screening modalities for a more comprehensive assessment

What are the potential benefits of personalized screening approaches? By tailoring screening strategies to individual risk factors, we may be able to detect breast cancers earlier in high-risk individuals while reducing unnecessary testing and anxiety in low-risk groups.

Liquid Biopsy Technology

Researchers are exploring the use of blood tests, known as liquid biopsies, to detect breast cancer. These tests look for circulating tumor cells or DNA in the bloodstream. While still in development, liquid biopsies could potentially:

• Provide a less invasive screening option
• Detect cancer at very early stages
• Monitor treatment response and recurrence risk

How close are we to using liquid biopsies for breast cancer screening? While promising, liquid biopsy technology for breast cancer screening is still in the research phase. It may be several years before these tests are validated and approved for widespread clinical use.

As we look to the future of breast cancer screening, it’s clear that ongoing research and technological advancements hold great promise for improving early detection and treatment outcomes. However, it’s important to remember that current mammogram technology remains a crucial tool in the fight against breast cancer. By understanding the importance of regular screenings, properly preparing for mammograms, and staying informed about new developments, women can take an active role in protecting their breast health.

Preparing for a Mammogram – Baptist Health

Getting a mammogram takes less time than the average coffee break. And, for one in every eight U.S. women who will develop breast cancer, a mammogram can mean the difference between life and death because it detects tumors in the earliest stages.

To ensure that you’re comfortable when getting a mammogram and that the process goes smoothly, there are steps you should take to prepare. Mammogram prep is especially important for women who are having their first exam.

To best prepare for your mammogram exam, follow these helpful tips:

• Scheduling your mammogram appointment. Schedule your mammogram at least one week after your last menstrual cycle. Your period can increase breast tenderness and tissue sensitivity, which can make your test uncomfortable. Inform your doctor or mammogram technician if there’s any possibility that you’re pregnant. Schedule your mammogram on or near the same date annually to make sure you don’t let a year – or two – slip by without making an appointment. Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40.
• Avoid caffeine before a mammogram. Don’t drink coffee, energy drinks or other caffeinated foods and beverages a day or two before the exam. Caffeine can increase breast tissue tenderness.
• Mammograms and deodorant. Avoid wearing deodorant, perfume or lotion the day of your mammogram. Aluminum flecks contained in some of these products may show up on your mammogram, making the images more difficult to interpret.
• Take a pain reliever. Reduce any discomfort during and after your mammogram by taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen one to two hours before your appointment.
• Wear comfortable clothing. Preferably a two-piece outfit so that you only have to remove your top and bra for the examination. Avoid wearing jewelry or wear jewelry that can be quickly and easily removed. You’ll be given a hospital gown, wear it with the opening in the front.
• Arrive with your records. Bring any records or films from previous mammograms performed at other facilities. By comparing them with your current results, your doctor is more likely to spot any abnormalities.
• Talk to your technician. Let your technician know of any changes or abnormalities you’ve felt during breast self-exams. This information, along with your medical history, will aid your doctor in early detection of breast cancer.

What to Expect When Getting a Mammogram

If this is your first time, you may wonder what to expect during a mammogram. Your mammogram exam should take approximately 30 minutes. A radiologist will then review the images and send a report to your doctor, who’ll contact you to discuss the results. Keep in mind that what are sometimes referred to as “suspicious findings” are things like cysts, dense breast tissue or a problem with the image produced by the test rather than cancer.

Many women have suspicious finding in their first mammogram because their doctor has no previous image to which to compare the results. If a follow-up mammogram or breast ultrasound is ordered, it may be simply out of an abundance of caution.

Learn more about Baptist Health cancer care services and schedule a mammogram today.

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• Cancer Care
• Womens Care
• Baptist Health

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• Breast Cancer
• Breast Tenderness
• Cancer Screening
• Mammogram
• Mammograms

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What Not To Do Before A Mammogram

1. DON’T apply deodorant before your mammogram.
   Also refrain from using perfume, lotion, creams, and any other substance on and around your breasts, including under your arms! These can show up in the mammogram screenings as white spots, causing inaccurate readings. Feel free to bring these with you to apply after the exam. If you forget, no need to worry, but our staff will ask you to wipe it off prior to the mammogram.
2. DON’T wear a dress or one-piece outfit.
   It’s best to wear two pieces (pants/skirt with a top) so you can keep your bottoms on during the exam.
3. DON’T go right before or during your period.
   Your breasts may be more tender/swollen around this time, which can cause extra discomfort during the mammogram. If you’re premenopausal, the best time to go is about a week after your period.
4. DON’T consume caffeine products (coffee, chocolate) several days up to two weeks before the appointment.
   Although this will not affect your mammogram results (so no worries if you do accidentally have some), it could cause breast tenderness for women who are sensitive to caffeine.
5. DON’T worry if you’ve had prior mammograms at other facilities.
   No need to bring anything – our staff can get your previous records and films for you.
6. DON’T worry about getting a doctor referral or prescription.
   At PURE Mammography, no prescription is needed for a screening mammogram. However, our staff will request the name of your health care provider to send a copy of your mammogram results to.
7. DON’T be scared!
   Although some women may feel some pain during a mammogram screening, most women only feel a slight discomfort. Additionally, you don’t need to worry about radiation exposure, which is minimal. The peace of mind you’ll get knowing that you’re protecting yourself from a late stage cancer diagnosis is worth the discomfort!

What you CAN and SHOULD do before your mammogram screening

1. DO eat!
   There’s no need to fast before a mammogram, as it will not affect the results. Feel free to eat, drink, and take medication.
2. DO let your mammogram technologist know of anything that may affect your breast cancer risk.
   This may include breast changes, medical history, family history, etc.
3. DO take an OTC pain medicine (if you want).
   Feel free to take Advil, Ibuprofen, etc. if you’re worried about pain or have experienced pain during past mammograms. However, at PURE Mammography, our technicians are very gentle and try to make mammograms as painless and comfortable as possible.
4. DO choose an experienced and certified mammogram facility, such as PURE Mammography!
   We are an American College of Radiology (ACR) accredited facility and an ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. PURE Mammography specializes in performing 3D mammograms, so you can be sure that our staff will make your screening experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We are located in the Smith Haven Mall on Long Island, so you’re free to make an appointment beforehand or simply drop by during your shopping trip.

Read what our patients are saying!

So easy! Very nice employees! The waiting room was like a spa with comfy club chairs and a flat screen video showing relaxing ocean waves on a beach. The radiologist was very professional and polite. My husband didn’t mind sitting in the waiting room especially since he was served coffee. Lol. Total time there was 20 mins. I left feeling very good in having accomplished something very important for my health.– Valerie R.

Click here to read more reviews.
Schedule an appointment at our spa-like mammography center by calling 631-652-3424 or by filling out the form on this page.

Related Materials:
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Tour Our Facility
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Spa-Like Experience
About PURE Mammography

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✔ mammography in Volgograd on modern equipment;
✔ diagnosis of breast pathologies at the earliest stage;
✔ low radiation exposure to the body;
✔ Write image to digital media.

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Mammography (two mammary glands in two projections)

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Mammography, 1 breast, in two projections

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Benefits of contacting the SOVA clinic:

✔ Diagnostics and consultation of an experienced mammologist.
✔ Detection of neoplasms from 3-5 mm in size.
✔ Equipment that allows you to get high-quality projections with minimal radiation exposure.
✔ Diagnosis accuracy.
✔ The opportunity to pass a unique study – ductography.

This type of examination is a non-invasive and painless x-ray method that is used to detect diseases of the mammary glands, the “gold standard” for cancer diagnosis. Thanks to a timely examination, it is possible to detect a tumor at a very early stage, even before it is determined by palpation. In this regard, the probability of complete recovery reaches 90%.

We suggest that you timely undergo a digital mammography at the SOVA clinic. We have created comfortable conditions for the examination: the procedure lasts several minutes, and the pictures in two projections and the doctor’s conclusion will be in your hands on the same day.

When to make an appointment

This type of x-ray examination is recommended if you find the following symptoms:

• discharge from the nipples, not associated with lactation;

• change or enlargement of the mammary glands;

• pain, seals, palpable nodes;

• enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit;

• “retraction” of the nipples;

• deformations, wrinkling and other skin changes in the chest area.

Mammography is performed not only for the diagnosis of the disease, but for preventive purposes, when the patient has no worries and complaints. A routine examination is performed for women over 40 years old – at least once every two years, after 50 years – annually. Screening is also indicated for women planning surgical correction of the mammary glands.

Contraindications:

For patients under 40 years of age, the examination is performed if there are indications, which are determined by the oncologist-mammologist.

Features

The method allows to detect a number of pathologies at the initial stage. Among them:

• benign formations of the mammary glands: fibroadenomas, cysts, and so on;

• fibrocystic mastopathy;

• inflammatory diseases;

• malignant neoplasms.

In the oncological process, mammography can be used to monitor the dynamics of tumor growth, thereby controlling its development and the effectiveness of treatment.

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Equipment

In the medical center “SOVA” a mammograph of the expert class Planmed, manufactured in Finland, is installed. Today it is one of the most powerful tools for high-precision diagnosis of breast diseases. A feature of the installation is excellent image detail and reduction of radiation doses to a minimum. During the examination, the patient feels comfortable. For maximum efficiency, images are taken in two standard projections: direct and oblique, if necessary, additional manipulations are prescribed by the radiologist. This allows in the future to accurately determine the localization of the pathological formation.

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Digital mammography at the SOVA clinic in Volgograd

The examination is carried out on an outpatient basis and is usually prescribed after taking an anamnesis and a preliminary examination by a mammologist.

Preparation

It is recommended to undergo a study on the fifth to twelfth day of the menstrual cycle. During this period, the mammary glands are not enlarged and less sensitive, the tissues are soft. It is undesirable to apply deodorants, antiperspirants, lotions, sprays, as well as products containing talc to the skin in the armpit. Avoid caffeinated foods on the day of your procedure, as this can make your breasts more sensitive.

So that nothing causes discomfort during the process, choose separate underwear and remove jewelry in advance. Take with you a medical card with data on previous examinations and the conclusions of doctors, if any. In advance, write a list of questions you want to ask the radiologist. Remember if there was a history of breast cancer in the family: this information is very important for making a diagnosis.

How the procedure works

When performing digital mammography, you must undress to the waist and stand on the footboard of the unit. Stay still. The radiologist will perform the laying of the mammary glands and conduct a series of standard mammograms, at the time of taking the picture, the breast will be pressed with a special compression plate. The stronger the compression, the better the resulting image and the lower the radiation dose. Unpleasant sensations during the procedure are minimized, soreness can occur only in some cases.

The whole process takes no more than 15 minutes. Radiographs can be printed on film or recorded on digital media.

A type of examination is ductography – the study of the ducts of the mammary glands. The essence of the method: a contrast agent containing iodine is injected through a thin catheter. The technique allows you to determine the pathological processes in the milk ducts. The procedure is also available in our clinic, it is prescribed by an oncologist-mammologist, subject to the necessary conditions.

Make an appointment

To undergo a study with a therapeutic or prophylactic purpose, contact the SOVA medical center at 59B Lenina Avenue. You can find out the exact price of mammography and other diagnostic services by phone or on the website. In addition, it is convenient to make an appointment with us indicating the desired date and time through the online form – we will call you back to clarify the data.

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What should you know about caffeine? — HealthInfo

Let’s face it, everyone knows firsthand about the miraculous properties of caffeine: it will help you wake up in the morning, be alert during the day, and in general, enhances performance.

According to the FDA, 90% of people worldwide use some form of caffeine, and in the US, 80% of adults eat or drink a caffeinated product daily.

If you, the reader, are a woman, remember that every cup of coffee can affect the health of your breasts, since caffeine dilates blood vessels, as a result of which you may feel soreness and swelling of the mammary glands, as during the period of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) .

Naturally, no one wants to suffer from PMS symptoms every day. The study found that 61% of women who cut down on coffee consumption had pain relief.

There are some more interesting facts about caffeine, which we will cover below.

Caffeine can aggravate PMS

A University of Oregon study found that coffee consumption has a huge impact on PMS symptoms: the more coffee you drink, the more you suffer from symptoms. The reason for this phenomenon is that caffeine causes anxiety, which is the cause of stress, and stress, in turn, increases the intensity of PMS.

Symptoms of PMS, including tenderness and tightness of the mammary glands, appear 1-2 weeks before menstruation, beginning at the time of ovulation and continuing until the onset of the menstrual cycle. If you add in your daily coffee intake, you are literally playing with fire.

Therefore, if PMS is bothering you and you want to ease it, we advise you to avoid caffeine, and this applies not only to coffee, but also to chocolate.

Fibrocystic mastopathy

This disease is accompanied by the formation of changes in the mammary gland tissues in the form of nodules and bumps. More than half of the women surveyed observed fibrotic changes in themselves – this is a benign condition that sooner or later leads to bumps in the chest. In general, these changes are harmless, except that they cause soreness and tightness of the mammary glands.

What does caffeine have to do with all this? Evidence from several studies agrees that caffeine may increase the pain and tightness in the chest associated with fibrocystic breast disease. Just like eating chocolate, the pain can become more intense.

It is important to remember that neither coffee nor chocolate causes disease.

Misinterpreting mammograms

Breast cancer control scientists have reported that mammograms can become almost unreadable in coffee drinkers. Why? As a result of excessive caffeine consumption, cysts similar to cancerous growths can form in the breasts, these cysts can even mask the manifestations of cancer.