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Breast Cancer Screening
We're talking serious peace of mind here. Our mammography test gives you accurate and reliable breast cancer screening results, fast. Our expert techs use top-notch equipment to produce high-quality images, so you can get detailed reports and expert analysis to help you take control of your health.
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My First Mammogram at 40+: What to Expect When You Get a Referral
summarizeEditor's Summary
As I approached my 40th birthday, I received a referral for a mammogram from my gynecologist. It was a new experience, and I was curious about what to expect. After doing some research and scheduling my appointment, I learned a thing or two about mammograms that I'd like to share with you. From the importance of timing to the process itself, I'll walk you through my first mammogram experience and provide some valuable insights to help you prepare. It's essential to know that mammograms are a necessary procedure for early breast cancer detection, and they're free in a polyclinic setting. The procedure itself is quick, taking only a few minutes, and scheduled appointments make it easy to fit into your busy schedule. One of the best things about mammograms is that no special preparation is required, which makes it a convenient option for many women. However, some discomfort during the examination and mild radiation exposure during the procedure are potential drawbacks. Additionally, results may not be immediately available, and the process can be slightly painful, especially for those with sensitive breasts. It's not the most pleasant experience, but it's a necessary one. You may feel a bit anxious or nervous before the appointment, but the helpful staff and technicians make the experience less intimidating.
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My First Mammogram at 40+: What to Expect When You Get a Referral
Hello gorgeous gals!
Back in the spring this year, I got a referral to have a mammogram from my gynecologist. Last year I turned 40, and as it turns out, all women over 40 are recommended to get a mammogram once every two years. So, that's exactly what my gynecologist told me: go get it done, and then bring me the results, we'll take a look.
She immediately warned me to get the mammogram between the 8th and 16th day of my cycle. I set a reminder for myself and when my period came around, I scheduled a time to visit the X-ray room where the magic happens.
Before heading out for this investigation, I read up on reviews and looked into some online info. I'll share a quick rundown of what I found out about mammograms.
❓What is a mammogram, anyway?
A mammogram is an examination of the breast tissue aimed at detecting new growths (both benign and malignant) and other pathological changes – calcifications and cysts.
❓ When and how often should I get a mammogram?
They do the procedure during routine check-ups:
From 35 years old – the lower age limit for the examination. Before 35, breast tissue is too dense, so a mammogram won't give you an accurate result. Between 35 and 40, you should get at least one mammogram done.
From 40 years old – once every two years. Women between 40 and 55 are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
I've been getting mammograms since I was 50, and I've done it once a year. After 60, the frequency depends on individual factors and recommendations from my gynecologist.
What are the reasons for a mammogram?
Annual screening for women over 40Suspicions of benign and malignant tumorsDifferential diagnosis of breast lumpsFollow-up on tumor treatmentInfertilityI walked into the X-ray room with a bit of trepidation, clutching my referral letter. I arrived early, feeling somewhat anxious, so I decided to wait in line and chat with the others. Reading about the mammography process beforehand, I knew I wasn't in for a relaxing massage.
When I reached the X-ray room doors at 10:50, I was the third in line. At 11:30, the X-ray technician came over and chuckled, 'You're all so young, I'm flattered!' She glanced at her watch and suggested we start a bit earlier. 'Girls, the first ones, please, put on your lead aprons.'
So, it was my turn. Let me tell you, there's no special preparation needed for a mammogram. Just in case, I left my necklace at home, remembering my previous experiences with fluorography or regular X-rays. When the technician asks you to remove your necklace or put it in your mouth, it's best to be prepared.
I handed over my referral letter, and while the technician was filling out the paperwork, she asked me to undress down to my waist, removing my bra, of course. Then, she helped me put on a special protective vest around my waist. You can see it in the photo below – it's a heavy, green one attached to the equipment. I was worried it would fall off, but it stayed put.
I have to start from the beginning, I guess. So, I've got a small bust, and I asked the doc if it's going to be a problem. She just smiled and said, 'Don't worry, let's find something to fill this up.' With that, she sprayed some antiseptic and wiped it down with a towel on the mammography machine. On the photo, the breast platform is black. It was a bit chilly to touch, and I wasn't looking forward to putting my breast on it.
Next, the X-ray lab technician inserted the cassette with the film into a special slot on the breast platform.
After that, the technician explained to me how to position my breast, showed me, helped me. She also showed me how to hold the device in a specific position. My little ones actually lay down on the film plate, took up a bit of space. When researching, you need to stand in front of the mammograph. The technician took each breast separately. She took two projections of the right one and two of the left one. While doing this, she would turn the mammograph for each individual projection so that the platform with the breast was positioned correctly and at a specific angle.
The whole process took around 15 minutes, and the actual X-ray exposure only lasted a few seconds per breast per projection.
I have to admit, the procedure was really tough for me... My sensitive breast was squished down on the film plate by the mammograph, it was literally flattened and squeezed. But the X-ray was taken quickly, and the pressure was released right away. It was also a bit of a mental challenge to watch my breast go through this process. Luckily, I was distracted and didn't have to see it all happen...
When I was getting dressed, the lab technician next to me was performing some manipulations with the mammograph, and she told me that this kind of examination is a torture for a living person. The specialist just smiled and said that in about 30-40 years, it won't hurt much anymore, and grandmas will just stand there quietly with their baskets. But by the time she said 'in about 30-40 years it won't hurt much anymore', I had already thought that medicine would make progress and the procedure would become less painful, more gentle...
A few days later, I came to pick up the results of the examination and went to the gynecologist's appointment on the same day. As a result, the radiolab technician gave me a description on an A4 sheet with the words that everything is normal, so she didn't print the scan for the doctor.
The gynecologist looked at it, nodded in satisfaction, and said that everything is normal. I asked if I could skip this torture the next time and do an ultrasound of the breasts instead. I had been doing ultrasounds for a long time, and they're relatively painless compared to mammograms. No, you need to do a mammogram every two years, and we'll look into the ultrasound later.
That's my impression of doing a mammogram. The examination is undoubtedly important and necessary for women. It might be a bit painful, but it's not that hard to get through, and there's no special preparation needed - only if you mentally prepare yourself for the repeat examination, knowing what's going on behind closed doors.
Thanks for reading. Stay healthy!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is a mammogram, and why is it important for women over 40?
A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast tissue to detect new growths, both benign and malignant, as well as other pathological changes like calcifications and cysts. It's essential for women over 40 to get regular mammograms to catch any potential breast cancer early on.
How often should I get a mammogram, and when should I schedule it?
The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women over 40. You should schedule your mammogram between the 8th and 16th day of your menstrual cycle, as this is when your breasts are less dense and easier to examine.
What can I expect during the mammogram procedure?
During the procedure, you'll be asked to stand in front of an X-ray machine, and your breasts will be placed between two plates. The technician will then take X-rays of your breasts from different angles. You may feel some discomfort during the examination, but it should only last a few minutes.
Will I need to prepare for the mammogram in any way?
No, you don't need to prepare for the mammogram in any way. However, it's a good idea to wear a two-piece outfit and avoid wearing any deodorant or perfume on the day of the appointment.
How long will it take to get the results of my mammogram?
The results of your mammogram may not be immediately available. Your doctor will typically receive the results within a few days, and they'll discuss them with you during a follow-up appointment.
Is a mammogram painful?
A mammogram can be slightly painful, especially for women with sensitive breasts. However, the discomfort is usually temporary and should only last a few minutes.
Can I get a mammogram if I'm experiencing symptoms like a lump or pain?
Yes, if you're experiencing any symptoms like a lump or pain in your breast, you should schedule a mammogram as soon as possible. Your doctor may also recommend an ultrasound or biopsy to further investigate the issue.
Are there any risks associated with mammograms?
While mammograms are generally safe, there is a small risk of radiation exposure during the procedure. However, the benefits of early breast cancer detection far outweigh the risks, and mammograms are still considered a vital tool in breast cancer screening.
How do I prepare for a mammogram?
To prepare for a mammogram, wear a two-piece outfit and avoid wearing any deodorant or perfume on the day of the appointment. It's also a good idea to schedule your mammogram between the 8th and 16th day of your menstrual cycle, as this is when your breasts are less dense and easier to examine.
check_circlePros
- •Free in a polyclinic setting
- •Quick procedure that takes only a few minutes
- •Scheduled appointments make it easy to fit into your busy schedule
- •No special preparation is required
- •A necessary procedure for early breast cancer detection
- •Helpful staff and technicians make the experience less intimidating
cancelCons
- •Some discomfort during the examination
- •Mild radiation exposure during the procedure
- •Results may not be immediately available
- •The process can be slightly painful, especially for those with sensitive breasts
- •It's not the most pleasant experience, but it's a necessary one
- •You may feel a bit anxious or nervous before the appointment
