Mammograms save lives! Early detection plus starting treatment earlier equals a higher breast cancer survival rate. Mammography are X-ray pictures of the breast. They have been the benchmark for breast cancer detection for decades, considered the best way to detect breast cancer.
There are two types of mammograms: screening and diagnostic. A screening mammogram is the basic mammogram all women need to get. A diagnostic mammogram is a follow-up mammogram after a diagnosis of and treatment for breast cancer or when the screening mammogram shows unclear or suspicious results.
When Do Women Need to Start Getting Mammograms?
Most women should start getting an annual mammogram when they turn 40. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in every 8 women will have breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women, second only to skin cancer.
Some women and men may need to start mammography screenings earlier than 40. Your Primary Care Physician (PCP), gynecologist, or oncologist may refer you for a mammogram if you are in a higher-risk category.
You may need to get a mammogram earlier if you have these risk factors:
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If you have had breast cancer before.
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If you have a family history of breast cancer in family members on either side of your family.
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If you or your doctor discover a lump in your breast or other questionable changes in breast tissue.
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If you test positive for BRCA and/or other genetic mutations that increase your likelihood of getting breast cancer.
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If you have dense breasts or certain benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions.
Mammograms Improve Breast Cancer Survival Rates
Along with monthly breast self-exams and annual clinical breast exams (often part of a woman’s wellness visit or annual health exam), mammograms have helped save hundreds of thousands of women’s lives. According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Breastcancer.org reports that, “Women diagnosed with breast cancer who had regular mammograms had a 60% lower risk of dying from the disease in the 10 years after diagnosis and a 47% lower risk of dying from the disease in the 20 years after diagnosis compared to women who didn’t have regular screening.”
The improved survival rates from early detection make it clear that mammograms are the best weapon to defend yourself against breast cancer.
The improved survival rates from early detection make it clear that mammograms are the best weapon to defend yourself against breast cancer. While doctors and researchers have made great improvements in treating breast cancer (and other types of cancer), early detection remains the primary way to detect breast cancer early.
Even with these advances in treatment, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 297,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 43,000 women in the United States will die from breast cancer in 2023. However, there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. today. This is why mammograms are so important!
While mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer in the early stages–even before you or your doctor notices any changes in the breast tissue–it is also important for everyone to do regular breast self-exams and schedule clinical breast exams with your PCP, gynecologist, or oncologist.
Breast Cancer in Hispanic Women
According to research by Dr. Amelie Ramirez, a Komen scholar with Susan G. Komen, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for Hispanic women in the U.S. This higher death rate for Hispanic women is related to a lower rate of Hispanic women getting screenings, including mammograms and clinical breast exams.
Ramirez reports, “Hispanic women are at risk for breast cancer. Their survivorship is not as good as other populations, and part of the reason for that is they’re not coming in for routine screening or not getting appropriate access to care, which causes some of the disparities within our population,” Amelie said.
Breast Cancer in Women Over 50
Breast cancer is far more common in women over 50 than in younger women. An estimated 1 in 5 women over 50 will get breast cancer, vs. 1 in 8 women in the general population. While breast cancer in women over 50 is more common, it is usually less aggressive in these women.
What Happens During a Mammogram?
Don’t worry, mammograms are nothing to be afraid of! While they are mildly uncomfortable, any discomfort does not last long at all. Most mammograms take only about 15 minutes from start to finish. Here’s what to expect:
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A mammogram technician will ask you to undress from the waist up, removing your top and undergarment.
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You will change into a medical gown with the openings in the front.
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The technician will help position you in front of the mammography machine and will physically move your torso, arm, and breast into the correct position for the X-rays (mammogram). They will place your breast between two plastic pates for scanning.
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The technician will tighten the two plastic plates onto your breast to flatten it out and get a good image of your breast tissue.
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The technician will tell you to hold your breath and stand very still.
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They will take some photos of your breast, which takes a few seconds for each photo.
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They will repeat this process with two or three breast positions for each side.
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The radiology clinic will send the images directly to your doctor for a screening mammogram. For a diagnostic mammogram, you may get results immediately.
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Your doctor will contact you in a few days or a week with the mammogram results.
How to Prepare for a Mammogram
Many women have feelings of anxiety, fear, or nervousness about getting their mammogram, but it is an easy, fast screening. Here are some tips to help you prepare and feel better about getting your mammogram:
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Schedule your mammogram for the week after your period, when your breasts are less likely to be tender.
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Wear a shirt and pants or a skirt, so you will only have to remove your shirt for the screening.
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Do NOT wear deodorant, powder, lotion, or perfume on the day of your mammogram, because these can show up as questionable areas and cause you to have to go back for a rescreening.
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Shower well on the morning of your mammogram to wash away any leftover deodorant, powder, lotion, or perfume from the day before.
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Reduce caffeine consumption a few days before and on the day of the mammogram. Caffeine can cause breast tenderness in some people.
What Happens If I Get a Call Back?
If your radiologist or doctor asks you to return for more screening, don’t panic! This is a very normal occurrence. Most women who get regular mammograms will experience at least one call back in their lives. This does NOT mean you have breast cancer.
If the radiologist cannot clearly see all of the details in the images from your mammogram, they may call you back as a precaution and to get more images. These are some common reasons you may get a call back on your mammogram, per verywellhealth.com:
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Inconclusive results: calcifications, fibroids, dense breast tissue, asymmetry, or breast tissue pulling away from the nipple.
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First mammogram: more info may be required to establish a detailed baseline image for future comparison.
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Unclear X-rays: while the technician will try their best to make sure the images are clear, the doctor may want better pictures.
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Changes in the appearance of breast tissue when compared to previous imaging.
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Medical history: breast cancer survivors and breast cancer patients are more likely to be called back for further images, as their tests are being closely monitored for anything new or different.
When you get a call back, your doctor may request either a follow-up mammogram (diagnostic mammogram), breast ultrasound or breast MRI. If there is any doubt about the presence of breast cancer, a biopsy may be needed. A biopsy is where a doctor removes a small amount of tissue in the breast to check for cancer.
Schedule your mammogram today and take control of your health! Community First Health Plans Members can contact University Health Breast Care Centers or call Member Services to get answers to mammogram questions.