As a woman, it is very important to take care of your breast health. But sometimes when you hear a word like ' mammogram ', you feel a little scared and nervous, don't you? You think about all sorts of things, such as will it hurt, what will happen, and what will be in the report. That is why, today we will talk about this mammogram in a very simple way, as if you were talking to a friend, so that all your questions will be cleared up.
Simply put, what is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a special X-ray test that uses a very low dose of radiation (low-dose X-ray ) to examine the tissue in your breasts. This is very different from an X-ray taken of our bones . Doctors use it for two main reasons.
1. Screening Mammogram (pre-symptomatic test): This is done to look for early signs of breast cancer before any symptoms (such as a lump or pain) appear. It's like getting a car serviced before a problem occurs. The goal here is to detect it early.
2. Diagnostic Mammogram (test done when a symptom arises): If you have any symptoms such as a new lump in your breast, pain, nipple discharge, or skin changes, this test is done to find out exactly what is causing it.
Remember, after skin cancer , breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. But the good news is that if breast cancer is detected early, the 5-year survival rate is as high as 99% . Therefore, this mammogram test is one of the most powerful weapons we have in our hands against breast cancer.
Are there different types of mammograms?
Yes, there are mainly two types of mammograms.
- 2D Digital Mammogram: This takes pictures of one of your breasts from two angles (top to bottom and side to side). This is the traditional method.
- 3D Digital Mammogram (Digital Breast Tomosynthesis): This is a slightly advanced, newer method. Here, the breast is compressed once, and the machine moves in an arc, taking several X-ray pictures. A computer then combines these pictures, creating a three-dimensional (3D) image, as if cutting thin slices of the breast. This allows the doctor to see the inside of the breast tissue much more clearly and in greater depth.
Can a mammogram tell 100% if there is cancer?
This is where many people make a mistake. No. A mammogram cannot confirm the presence of cancer.
Imagine a car being stopped by the police on the road for suspicion. You can't just stop it and say there's something wrong with it. You have to examine it thoroughly. A mammogram is the same. It only identifies if there is any suspicious abnormality in the breast.
To confirm whether the detected area is cancerous or not, the doctor may recommend further tests, such as a breast ultrasound or a breast biopsy , which involves taking a small piece of tissue from the suspicious area. Only after a biopsy can it be determined for sure whether it is cancerous or not.
Who should get a mammogram? How often?
Generally, according to international recommendations, it is recommended that all women, starting at the age of 40 and continuing until the age of 75, have a mammogram at least every two years .
However, this is not a general rule for everyone. If you are at high risk of developing breast cancer, your doctor may recommend that you have this test before age 40 or even closer to it (e.g. every year).
Who may be at increased risk of breast cancer?
If any of the following apply to you, it is essential to talk to your doctor and develop a mammogram schedule that is right for you.
- If you have had breast cancer before.
- If your close family members (mother, sister, daughter) have had breast or ovarian cancer .
- If you have been diagnosed with genetic mutations that increase your risk of breast cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 .
- If you have certain breast conditions that are not cancerous, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia , that increase your future risk.
- If you have dense breasts (this will be mentioned in your mammogram report).
Although very rare, there are times when men who are at high risk due to a family history of cancer also need to have mammograms.
How do you prepare for a mammogram?
There should be some preparation on your part before and on the day of this test. Let's break it down like this.
| How to prepare | Description |
|---|---|
| When setting aside the day | Do not insert the device a week before or during your period. This is because your breasts may be more sensitive during these times, making the test more difficult. It is best to insert the device about a week after your period ends. |
| Special notifications | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, tell your doctor when you book your appointment. Also, tell your doctor if you have breast implants or have recently had a vaccine. |
| On the day of the test | Do not apply deodorant, perfume, lotion, or body powder to your armpits. Some of the particles in these items can show up as stains on X-ray images, which can affect the accuracy of the report. |
| Clothing | Since you have to completely expose your upper body from the waist down, it's easier to wear a two-piece outfit, like pants or a skirt with a blouse, instead of a one-piece outfit like a dress. |
What actually happens during a mammogram?
This process is not as complicated as you might think. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
1. First, you will be asked to remove all clothing and jewelry above the waist. Instead, you will be given a gown that opens in the front.
2. You will then be taken to the mammogram machine. The technologist will assist you.
3. You need to place one of your breasts on a special plate in the machine.
4. Then, another plastic paddle is used to gently compress your breast. This compression is essential because it allows the breast tissue to spread out evenly and produce a clear X-ray image without blurring. It also reduces the radiation dose.
5. The X-ray image will be taken within a few seconds of holding this down.
6. Then do the same for the other breast.
7. When the work is finished, you can get back into your clothes and continue your work as normal that same day.
The question everyone asks: Does a mammogram hurt?
This is something that many people are afraid of. To be honest, it varies from person to person. Some people feel a little uncomfortable, a tight feeling . Others may even find it a little painful .
But the best part is that this discomfort only lasts a few seconds . The machine releases the pressure as soon as the image is taken. If you feel unbearable pain, tell the technician right away.
The discomfort you feel may depend on factors such as:
- The size and density of your breasts.
- What stage of your menstrual cycle you are in.
- The technician's experience and skill.
- You have the ability to relax and maintain proper posture.
What's in the report?
Your mammogram report usually arrives within a few days. Sometimes it can take a little longer. A standard system is used to categorize the results of this report. It is called the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) .
| BI-RADS number | Simple meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | Not enough information. More tests (e.g. ultrasound) are needed. |
| 1 | Negative. No abnormalities. Perform the next test as usual. |
| 2 | There is something that is non-cancerous (benign) . (Example: a tumor) but it is not cancer. |
| 3 | It's probably not cancer, but you should get checked again in about 6 months. |
| 4 | Suspicious. There is a small chance of cancer. A biopsy is needed. |
| 5 | Very suspicious. There is a high chance of cancer. A biopsy is definitely needed. |
| 6 | Someone who has already been confirmed to have cancer through a biopsy. |
Don't be alarmed if you get an "abnormal" report. It doesn't mean you have cancer. It just means there's something suspicious and needs to be investigated further. Your doctor will explain what to do next.
What if I have breast implants?
If you have breast implants, it is not a problem for a mammogram. However, you should definitely inform the technician who performs the exam and when you make your appointment.
Because implants make it difficult to see all the breast tissue at once, in addition to the usual number of images, a few more special images (implant displacement (ID) views) are taken. Here, the implant is slowly pushed back, bringing the breast tissue forward, and the images are taken. So there is no reason to be afraid.
Take-Home Message
- Mammograms are the best and most important test for early detection of breast cancer. Don't be afraid of them.
- This is a test that takes just a few minutes and may be a little uncomfortable, but it could help save your life in the long run.
- Talk to your doctor about getting a mammogram after age 40. If you have risk factors, you may need to start even earlier.
- Don't be alarmed if you get an "abnormal" report. It doesn't mean you have cancer, it just means you need to do more testing.
- If you notice any changes, lumps, or pain in your breasts, see a doctor right away, without waiting for your next mammogram.
Mammogram, breast cancer, X-ray, women's health, cancer screening
💬 Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts here.
Add Your Comment