How can you effectively prepare for a mammogram. What steps should you take before your appointment. Why is proper preparation crucial for accurate results. What should you expect during and after the mammogram procedure.

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 screening tests can detect tumors in their earliest stages, potentially making the difference between life and death for many women. But how exactly do mammograms work, and why are they so important?

Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to create detailed images of breast tissue, allowing radiologists to identify abnormalities that may indicate cancer. These abnormalities can include masses, calcifications, or changes in breast tissue that may not be detectable through physical examination alone.

Early detection through mammography can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. When breast cancer is found at an early stage, before it has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.

When Should Women Start Getting Mammograms?

The American Cancer Society recommends that women with average risk for breast cancer should begin annual mammogram screenings at age 40. However, women with higher risk factors, such as a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations, may need to start screening earlier or undergo more frequent examinations.

Essential Steps for Preparing for Your Mammogram

Proper preparation can significantly enhance the accuracy of your mammogram results and make the experience more comfortable. Here are some crucial steps to take before your appointment:

• Schedule wisely
• Avoid caffeine
• Skip deodorant and lotions
• Consider pain relief
• Choose comfortable clothing
• Bring previous records
• Communicate with your technician

Let’s delve deeper into each of these preparation steps to ensure you’re fully prepared for your mammogram.

Optimal Timing: When to Schedule Your Mammogram

Timing is crucial when it comes to scheduling your mammogram. To maximize comfort and accuracy, it’s recommended to schedule your appointment at least one week after your menstrual cycle. Why is this important? During menstruation, breast tissue can become more sensitive and tender, which may lead to discomfort during the examination and potentially affect the clarity of the images.

Additionally, if you’re pregnant or suspect you might be, it’s essential to inform your doctor or mammogram technician. Pregnancy can affect breast tissue and may necessitate alternative screening methods.

The Importance of Annual Screenings

Consistency in scheduling is key to effective breast cancer screening. Try to schedule your mammogram around the same date each year. This practice helps ensure you don’t inadvertently skip a year, maintaining the regularity that’s crucial for early detection.

The Caffeine Factor: Why to Avoid It Before Your Mammogram

You might be surprised to learn that your morning cup of coffee could affect your mammogram results. It’s advisable to avoid caffeine for one to two days before your exam. But why does caffeine matter?

Caffeine can increase breast tissue sensitivity and tenderness in some women. This increased sensitivity can make the mammogram procedure more uncomfortable and potentially impact the quality of the images obtained. Caffeine sources to avoid include:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Soft drinks
• Energy drinks
• Chocolate

By reducing caffeine intake before your mammogram, you can help ensure a more comfortable experience and clearer imaging results.

Personal Care Products and Mammograms: What to Avoid

On the day of your mammogram, it’s crucial to avoid using certain personal care products. Deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, and lotions can interfere with the imaging process. Why is this the case?

Many of these products contain aluminum or other metallic particles that can show up as white spots on mammogram images. These artifacts can mimic or obscure calcifications, making it more challenging for radiologists to interpret the results accurately. To ensure the clearest possible images:

• Skip deodorant and antiperspirant
• Don’t apply perfume or scented lotions
• Avoid using powders in the underarm or breast area

If you’re concerned about body odor, you can bring these products with you and apply them after the mammogram is complete.

Managing Discomfort: Pain Relief Strategies for Mammograms

While mammograms are crucial for breast health, some women find the procedure uncomfortable or even painful. Is there a way to minimize this discomfort? Fortunately, yes. Taking a pain reliever before your appointment can help reduce discomfort during and after the exam.

Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen about one to two hours before your scheduled mammogram. This can help alleviate breast tenderness and make the compression during the mammogram more tolerable.

Additional Comfort Measures

Beyond pain relievers, there are other steps you can take to enhance your comfort during a mammogram:

• Communicate with your technician about any concerns or discomfort
• Take deep, calming breaths during the procedure
• Try to relax your muscles as much as possible
• If you experience significant pain, inform the technician immediately

Remember, while some discomfort is normal, severe pain is not. Always communicate with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about pain during mammograms.

Dressing for Success: What to Wear to Your Mammogram

Choosing the right outfit for your mammogram can make the process smoother and more comfortable. What should you wear? Opt for a two-piece outfit, such as a skirt or pants with a separate top. This allows you to remove only your top and bra for the examination, maintaining comfort and modesty.

Avoid wearing dresses or one-piece outfits, as these require you to undress completely. As for jewelry, it’s best to leave it at home or choose pieces that can be quickly and easily removed.

The Importance of a Proper-Fitting Bra

While you’ll need to remove your bra for the mammogram, wearing a well-fitting, supportive bra to your appointment can help minimize discomfort afterwards. After the exam, your breasts may feel slightly tender, and a good bra can provide comfort and support.

The Value of Medical Records: Bringing Your History to the Appointment

When it comes to breast health, your medical history plays a crucial role. Why is it important to bring your previous mammogram records to your appointment? Having access to your past mammograms allows radiologists to compare current images with previous ones, making it easier to detect any changes or abnormalities.

If you’ve had mammograms at different facilities, make an effort to gather these records and bring them to your appointment. This includes:

• Previous mammogram films or digital images
• Reports from past mammograms
• Records of any breast biopsies or surgeries

By providing this information, you’re giving your healthcare team the most comprehensive view of your breast health over time, which can lead to more accurate interpretations and diagnoses.

Communication is Key: Talking to Your Mammogram Technician

Open communication with your mammogram technician can significantly improve your experience and the accuracy of your results. Why is this dialogue so important? Your technician needs to know about any changes or concerns you’ve noticed in your breasts, as well as relevant aspects of your medical history.

Be prepared to discuss:

• Any lumps, bumps, or changes you’ve noticed during self-exams
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Nipple discharge or changes in nipple appearance
• Any breast pain or tenderness
• Your family history of breast cancer
• Any previous breast surgeries or biopsies
• Current medications, including hormone therapies

Remember, your technician is there to help you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or express concerns about the procedure. They can provide explanations, adjust the equipment for your comfort, and ensure you’re positioned correctly for the best possible images.

Addressing Anxiety About Mammograms

Feeling anxious about your mammogram? You’re not alone. Many women experience anxiety about the procedure, whether it’s their first mammogram or they’ve had many before. Communicating these feelings to your technician can help. They may be able to offer reassurance, explain the process in more detail, or take extra care to ensure your comfort during the exam.

What to Expect During and After Your Mammogram

Understanding the mammogram process can help alleviate anxiety and ensure you’re prepared for the experience. What happens during a typical mammogram appointment?

A standard mammogram appointment usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a general outline of what you can expect:

1. You’ll be asked to undress from the waist up and put on a hospital gown.
2. The technician will position your breast on a special platform.
3. A clear plastic plate will compress your breast for a few seconds while images are taken.
4. This process will be repeated to get multiple views of each breast.
5. After the images are taken, you’ll be able to get dressed and leave.

After your mammogram, a radiologist will review the images and send a report to your doctor. Your doctor will then contact you to discuss the results.

Understanding Mammogram Results

It’s important to note that not all abnormal findings on a mammogram indicate cancer. Many women have what are called “suspicious findings” on their first mammogram. These can include:

• Cysts
• Dense breast tissue
• Image quality issues

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 cancer. Your doctor will explain any additional tests that may be needed and what they mean for your breast health.

Remember, regular mammograms are a crucial part of maintaining breast health. By following these preparation tips and understanding what to expect, you can ensure that your mammogram experience is as smooth and effective as possible. Early detection saves lives, so don’t delay in scheduling your mammogram today.

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.

Learn More.

Categories

• Cancer Care
• Womens Care
• Baptist Health

Tags:

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

Related Blog Articles

• 
  

  Preparing for Your Mammogram Appointment

  
  
  Learn More

  
  

• 
  

  Mammogram Results: What Is a BI-RADS Score?

  
  
  Learn More

  
  

• 
  

  Importance of Early Mammogram Screenings in Paducah, KY

  
  
  Learn More

  
  

Let’s Stay in Touch

Sign up to receive Baptist Health emails to learn more about your health from our blog, e-newsletter, and Flourish. Or follow one of our social media accounts.

Sign Me Up

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:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Tour Our Facility
Patient Testimonials
Spa-Like Experience
About PURE Mammography

Pre-Schedule an Appointment

sign up for a digital examination at the SOVA clinic

✔ 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.

Make an appointment

Choose a doctor

Reviews

Mammography (two mammary glands in two projections)

2200 ₽

Sign up

Mammography, 1 breast, in two projections

1150 ₽

Sign up

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.

Get advice by phone or make an appointment

Enroll

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.

Make an appointment

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.

Get advice by phone or make an appointment

Enroll

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.