10 Best Practices for Mammography Screenings
Mammography screenings are an important part of women's health. They can help detect breast cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable. However, not all mammograms are created equal. In order to get the most accurate results, it is important to follow some best practices when getting a mammogram. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 of the most important best practices for mammography screenings!
1. Preparing Well In Advance
Make sure you are properly prepared for your mammography screening. This includes not wearing any lotions, powders, or deodorants on the day of your appointment. You must also avoid bras with underwire, as they can obscure the images taken during the screening.
If you are scheduled for a mammography screening at a location other than your regular doctor's office, be sure to call and ask what you should wear. Some facilities may require that you wear a special gown or have an X-ray of your breasts taken before the mammography screening.
2. Arrive Early
Arrive early for your appointment so that you have plenty of time to fill out any necessary paperwork and get situated in the exam room. This will help you avoid feeling rushed and stressed during your screening.
If you are running late for your appointment, call the office as soon as possible. They may be able to reschedule your appointment if there is not already a wait list.
3. Talk To Your Doctor If You're Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Certain types of mammograms are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
4. Do Not Carry Or Wear Any Metal
Remove all metal from your body before the mammography screening. This includes jewelry, hair clips, and underwire bras. Metal can cause interference with the imaging process.
5. Avoid Caffeine Before The Screening
Do not consume caffeine before your mammography screening. Caffeine can cause the breasts to become denser and make it harder to detect tumors.
6. Position Your Breast Correctly
Position your breast correctly on the imaging plate. The four corners of your breast should be in contact with the plate, and you should avoid pressing down on the plate with your fingers.
7. Remain Still During Screening
Remain still during the entire imaging process. Moving around can blur the images and affect the accuracy of the diagnosis.
8. Inform Your Doctor In Case Of Pain Or Discomfort
Inform your doctor if you experience any pain or discomfort during the mammography screening. This could be a sign that something is wrong.
9. Always Follow Up
Follow up with your doctor after your mammography screening if you have any questions or concerns.
10. Do Not Miss The Recommended Screenings
Repeat mammography screenings at recommended intervals. Screenings should be conducted every one to two years for women over the age of 40, and more frequently for women with a family history of breast cancer.
For someone who is suffering from breast cancer, mammography is the best source of detection. Mammography is the use of low-dose X-rays for breast imaging both in two dimensions (screening mammography) and three dimensions (mammosynthesis). It has been estimated that annual mammography screening beginning at age 40 saves one life for every 400 women screened.
Remember, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please see a doctor as soon as possible:
-A lump in your breast
-Pain in your breast
-Nipple discharge other than milk
-Dimpling or puckering of the skin on your breast
-Redness or scaling of the nipple or areola (the dark circle around the nipple)
These are just a few of the best practices to keep in mind when preparing for your mammography screening. For more information, please talk to your doctor.
