The term ‘cancer’ still has the power to instil fear in people. Although the medical world has advanced exponentially in the last few decades, and there are several treatments available for cancer today, it is not without side effects. Moreover, several cancers are detected quite late, making treatment useless. While not many cancers can be detected early, it is possible to detect breast cancer with mammogram. Mammogram or mammography means taking the images of breast tissues to check for any unnecessary growth. However, not many people know about mammogram or do not have the right information. Here you will get all the answers about mammography.
Who is at Risk for Breast Cancer? Age (40+), family history of breast or ovarian cancer, genetic inheritances (BRCA1 and BRCA2), early menstruation (before 12 years), late menopause (after 55 years), etc. are some of the risk factors for breast cancer.
Why Should I get a Mammogram if I Feel Healthy? Mammogram should be done by every woman after the age of 40 even if they feel fine because the test helps in early detection of breast cancer. While regular self-examination is necessary, the lumps are usually seen only at an advanced stage. Hence, mammography is important.
When should I start getting mammography? The risk of breast cancer increases with age; hence, women should start mammography from the age of 40 years. It should be part of their yearly routine check up. If you have a family history of ovarian and breast cancer, it is best to start mammography from the age of 30 years.
Do dense breast tissues increase my risk for breast cancer? No, but detection of cancer cells may become difficult. Dense breasts have more connective tissues and less of fat. These connective tissues look white in the screening results, which look similar to cancer cells. Hence, it becomes difficult to detect cancer. If you have dense breasts, you would have to undergo additional tests to get a clear result.
Should I get mammogram done even if I do not have any family history? Yes, mammography should be done by every woman after the age of 40 years, even if there is no history of breast or ovarian cancer in her family.
How is mammography done? The mammography technician would position your breasts in the mammography unit to capture images. Your breasts would be compressed using a paddle on a special platform. The entire process would take around 20 minutes.
Is it Painful? Is mammography painful?As your breasts are compressed during screening, you may find some discomfort. It is best to go for a mammography test 1 week after your periods, so that you do not experience too much pain.
Hope this FAQ about mammography has answered some of your queries and doubts. If you are celebrating your 40th birthday, get a mammography appointment as a gift for yourself because good health is necessary for a good life.