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reast cancer is one of the most common types
of cancer, and it is highly treatable in the early stages. A mammogram is an
X-ray of the breast that can detect changes in breast tissue.
In many
countries, there is the option of undergoing regular mammogram screenings, as
these can help detect breast cancer in the
early stages.
The imaging process can
involve some discomfort. However, a person can take steps to reduce it, and any
pain usually passes quickly.
A mammogram is quick and
noninvasive. It requires no recovery time, and it can save lives.
How mammograms work
A
mammogram can help doctors detect changes in the breast.
A mammogram takes about 20
minutes from start to finish. A technician will place the
breast between two plates. One plate takes an image of the breast, and the
other holds the breast in place.
The images allow the
radiographer and the doctor to see if there are unusual changes in the breast.
If there is any indication that a change could be cancerous, the doctor will
recommend further tests.
Gently compressing the
breast keeps it stable and provides a clearer image of the breast tissue.
Do mammograms hurt?
A number of factors affect
whether a mammogram hurts, including:
·
the skill of the technician
·
anxiety about
the mammogram
·
the structure of the breast
If the machine is not in
the right position, this can also cause issues. For example, some people have
to contort their backs, due to the height of the machine. This can lead to back
or neck pain from muscle strain.
It is important to let the
technician know if the position feels uncomfortable, as this can mean that the
machine is at the wrong height.
Anyone with fibrocystic
breasts — referring to the presence of harmless cysts — is more
likely to experience pain during a mammogram.
A mammogram can help detect
breast cancer in the early stages. Here, learn more about
early signs of the disease.
How to reduce pain
The first step is to choose
a suitable clinic.
Breast
Cancer.org advise people to use clinics that have American
College of Radiology accreditation.
The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA)provides a register
of approved providers in each area.
Next, a person can do
several things to reduce the discomfort of a mammogram:
Timing: Schedule the mammogram for the week
after a menstrual period. During and immediately before a period, hormonal
swings can increase breast sensitivity.
History: Inform the technician about
fibrocystic breasts and any history of painful mammograms.
Caffeine and
tobacco:
Consuming less caffeine and avoiding smoking may help reduce breast tenderness,
according to a 2016 study. The research
did not specify, however, the effect during a mammogram.
Drugs: Taking a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, 45–60 minutes before the screening
may help reduce the pain.
Padding: Some mammography centers offer padding,
such as the brand MammoPad. Cushioning between the breasts and the plates of
the machine can significantly reduce pain.
Breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths prior to
the imaging can reduce tension-induced pain, and it may ultimately help produce
a more accurate image.
Stay still
during the imaging:
Moving — even taking a breath — while the technician is actually taking the
X-ray can blur the image.
Delaying if
breastfeeding:
Anyone who is breastfeeding, but who will wean soon, may want to delay
mammograms to avoid pain.
How to manage pain
Notify the technician of
any pain, particularly if it is severe. A mammogram should never hurt so much
that it deters a person from future screening.
If a person is not
comfortable with their technician, they may wish to ask for a different
technician next time or try a different mammography center.
Many technicians are
willing to take time to reduce pain. Rushing the screening can increase the
risk of discomfort, while a careful approach can ensure proper placement in the
machine, which can reduce the risk of pinching and other sources of pain.
Preparation
Anyone who has previously
had a mammogram should take their old images with them or ensure that their
doctor grants the clinic access.
This allows the health
professional to compare old and new results. A comparison can increase accuracy
and prevent false positive or false negative readings.
For example, a person with
cysts that a doctor has already confirmed are harmless may get a false positive
reading if there is no previous mammogram for comparison.
Likewise, if a healthcare
professional has previously spotted a small growth, the doctor can use this
prior knowledge to monitor for changes. Without reference to previous results,
a small growth might go unnoticed.
When
to expect results
A
doctor will explain the results and suggest a strategy.
In most cases, the results
will be ready in about a
week. Some clinics offer same day results.
The results can be
complicated, and a doctor will often want to discuss them in person. A positive
result on a mammogram can cause concern and anxiety, but it does not
necessarily mean that cancer is
present.
Most positive mammograms
require further diagnostic tests, and many find lumps that are not cancerous.
When mammograms show
unusual growths, follow-up tests are necessary. These can include:
·
MRI scan
·
another mammogram
·
blood tests
·
a breast biopsy
When cancer is present,
early treatment dramatically increases the rates of survival. According to the
American Cancer Society, a person with a diagnosis of breast cancer at stage 0
or stage 1 has a 99% chance
of living for at least another 5 years.
Disadvantages
Mammograms are very safe,
but they involve brief exposure to very low levels of radiation. For this reason,
a doctor is unlikely to recommend one during pregnancy.
The risk of radiation
exposure is minimal,
and mammograms remain an important screening method for healthy women outside
of pregnancy.
The main limitations of
mammograms are:
False
positive results:
The image may indicate that cancer is present when it is not, leading to
unnecessary further testing and, potentially, anxiety. Bringing previous
results can help reduce this risk.
False
negative results:
A mammogram may not reveal a lump or change that is very small. Some changes —
particularly in dense breast tissue — do not show up.
Mammograms do not detect
all breast cancers: Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but aggressive type
that causes skin changes, swelling, pain, and inflammation. There may or
may not be a lump.
Due to the limitations of
the imaging technology, it is important for everyone to be familiar with the
regular shape and feel of their breasts in order to recognize unusual changes.
When to have a mammogram
With
early detection, there is an excellent chance of getting effective treatment
for breast cancer.
American College of
Physicians guidelines from
2019 recommend the following screening schedule for women with an average risk
of breast cancer:
Ages 40–49
years: Ask a
doctor for guidance.
Ages 50–75
years: Undergo
mammography screening every 2 years.
After 75
years:
Discontinue screening.
In a person with a life
expectancy of fewer than 10 years, a doctor will also recommend discontinuing
mammograms.
People with any of the
following may need additional screening:
·
a personal history of breast cancer or
high-risk breast lesions
·
genetic factors, such as mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
·
a history of chest radiation exposure during
childhood
People should discuss their
history and risk levels with their doctor, who can make personalized
recommendations.
Other organizations,
including the American
Cancer Society, have different guidance.
Each person should speak to
their doctor about whether to have regular screening, as the right choice
varies among individuals.
Takeaway
A mammogram is a simple and
noninvasive screening that does not take long. It also requires minimal
preparation and recovery time.
As a result of scientific
advances, detecting and treating breast cancer in the early stages means that
there is usually an excellent chance of survival.
A mammogram can be
uncomfortable for a short time, but it is a useful tool for detecting and
treating breast cancer.
Learn more about how
to prepare for a mammogram here.
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