Mammograms are x-rays done to detect breast cancer. It is a recommended screening process that every woman should consider after a certain age.
Mammography can help in the early detection of breast cancer, which will allow your doctor to begin the treatment at the right time. The success of most cancer treatments depends on how cancer is diagnosed.
Read this blog if you wish to know when one should go for the first mammography.
Process of Mammography
It is also called mastography. Mammography is a diagnostic and screening procedure that uses low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast.
The goal of mammography is the early detection of breast cancer, typically through the detection of characteristic masses or micro-calcifications.
Mammography cannot prove that an abnormality is cancer, but we will remove the tissue for a biopsy if it raises a significant suspicion of cancer. The procedure allows the detection of breast cancers, benign tumours, and cysts before they can be detected by palpation (touch).
Breast cancer screening means examining a woman’s breasts to detect cancer before the disease’s signs or symptoms show up. The health care provider needs to inform the women about the best screening options.
Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help you find breast cancer earlier when it is easier to treat. You can consult an oncologist doctor about which breast cancer screening tests would suit you and when you should have them.
Things to Know before a Mammography
Here is a list of things you need to keep in mind before undergoing mammography.
Do not drink coffee, tea, or caffeinated soft drinks during the week before your mammogram. Caffeine can make breasts tender and lumpy, leading you to discomfort during your mammogram.
On the day of the examination, do not wear deodorant or antiperspirant. Some contain substances that can appear as white spots on the x-ray report.
Bring a list of the places and dates of mammograms, biopsies, or other breast treatments you have had before if you are going to a facility for the first time.
We suggest you go to the same facility every time so that it becomes easier to compare your mammograms from year to year.
Discuss the recent changes or problems in your breasts with your health care provider before getting the mammogram.
Try to wear comfortable clothing that can be easily removed for the mammogram process.
Before your first mammogram, clarify your doubts and questions about the procedure.
When a mammogram is taken at an early stage, breast cancer can often be detected before a lump is felt.
Therefore, for years, leading cancer organizations such as the American Cancer Society have recommended that all women begin receiving mammograms at the age of 40 years and continue receiving annual exams to screen for breast cancer.
How can you lower your Breast Cancer Risk?
Certain measures can help you lower the risk of breast cancer.
Maintain a healthy weight–
Studies have shown that obesity increases the risk of developing breast cancer, especially after menopause. Make sure that you maintain your weight by eating a healthy diet and doing physical activities like exercise. Doing this will help you decrease your weight and help your body produce less estrogen, reducing the risk of some types of breast cancer.
Quit smoking–
Smoking can cause certain cancers, including breast cancer. Smoking affects almost all the organs in your body, such as your heart, lungs, skin, and others.
Breastfeed–
Women who breastfeed are less likely to develop breast cancer than those who do not breastfeed. It could be because women do not ovulate as regularly while they are breastfeeding, and estrogen levels remain stable.
Get screened–
Getting monthly self-breast examinations and annual mammograms can help detect cancer at the earliest stages when it is treatable. Therefore, you must consult your physician to get a proper guide with a specific screening schedule.
Conclusion
Mammography can be a life saviour by detecting early-stage breast cancer at the right time. Timely diagnosis is a crucial aspect of cancer patients’ treatment.
So, if you are 40 or above, consider taking mammography by consulting an expert. You can schedule an appointment with our expert doctors for any questions you might have.
For a quick response to all your queries, do call us.
