A Journey Through My First Mammogram (Ep. 3)
Join me in this series of breast cancer awareness as I document my DCIS (Stage 0) diagnosis at 40 years old. My goal in this series is to share my experience to help inform others about the knowledge, prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
Mammograms are currently the best tool for Breast Cancer detection that we have.
Let’s talk about them!
Today, I'm diving into a topic that's both personal and universally important: mammograms. I’m going to walk you through my first-ever mammogram and the journey it led me down. I want to reiterate that mammograms are currently the best breast cancer detection tool that we have - they really are so important. Ok, let’s dig in.
It was at my annual check-up with my gynecologist that he decided to add a mammogram to my yearly screenings since I had recently turned 40. The screening guidelines vary by country, I’ll talk more about that below.
When my doctor suggested screening I wasn’t quite concerned with the mammogram. I had some history of breast cancer in my family, but thankfully nothing aggressive or deadly. I thought it was great to start screening, and I was happy for the opportunity.
At the time of the mammogram, I had no physical symptoms of any form of breast cancer, the test was scheduled as a preventative screening.
As a quick note - please check out the image below of the 12 Signs of Breast Cancer created by the Know Your Lemons Foundation. For more information about the image and the foundation, please read my blog here.
So, let’s talk about mammograms. I’m going to explain what a mammogram is, how the process works, any preparation you may need before your test and screening guidelines. As I mentioned above, mammograms are pivotal in detecting various types of breast cancer.
Mammograms can be daunting, but here’s a comforting statistic: only 10-13% of mammograms lead to further testing, and a mere 0.5% of those tests result in a malignant diagnosis.
Source: https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/screening/mammography/accuracy/
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is essentially an X-ray of the breast, a procedure known as mammography. There are two main types:
2D Digital Mammography: Takes two images of the breast.
3D Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT): Creates a 3D image from several 2D images.
Source: https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/screening/mammography/
If your doctor orders a mammogram, ask them if 3D mammography is available. These mammograms are not available in all areas or under all insurance, but it’s important to know you may have the option. If it’s not available, don’t worry, 2D mammography is still a great tool in breast cancer detection.
The mammogram process
You’ll be asked to change into a robe from the waist up with the opening in the front. You’ll come out to a machine similar to the image at the top of this blog. The technician will ask you to put your body next to the machine. At this point, the technician will then take your breast and lay it on the bottom plate of the machine. They will bring the top plate down via a foot pedal or remote until your breast is nice and squished in between the two. They may ask you to lift your arms and hold the side of the machine. You’ll inhale, hold your breath and the machine will pan across your breast to take the x-ray. You’ll then be released, the machine will pivot at an angle and you’ll take another picture. Same process. I want to note this is for 2D mammography, I have not had a 3D mammogram at this time.
A few thoughts on the process:
I won’t sugarcoat it - having your breast smooshed between two plates isn’t the most comfortable experience. But, and it’s a BIG but, the reality is that it’s short and sweet, and the results are well worth the discomfort.
While there may be discomfort during the few minutes of the test, the pain dissipates quickly and there should not be any lingering pain afterward. If there is, speak with your physician.
My results took about a week to come back, but it’s clinic and physician-dependent.
The technicians are very efficient in getting you in and out - which means they don’t mess around with getting your breast on the plate and in place for the xrays. Don’t be alarmed, while it may be a bit foreign to have your breast manipulated, the technicians work with breasts and bodies all day long. It’s their job, you are in safe hands.
I prefer to wear separates on the day of my mammogram so that I only have to take off my top and bra and can leave my pants or skirt on during the test.
It’s important to not wear any deodorant or lotion on your breast, chest, or armpit before your mammogram. Why? Because these topical products can show up as white spots on a mammogram, signaling an area of concern where there may not be.
One common question I’ve been asked as a breast health educator is “Can I get a mammogram with breast implants?” The answer, absolutely! It is important to tell your doctor that you have implants so that the technicians are prepared - your mammogram will include additional “implant displacement views.”
Another common question is “What about men?” Breast cancer in men is rare, but it happens. In 2019, about 2,670 new invasive cases were expected in men. Risk factors include high estrogen levels, genetic conditions, and chest radiation exposure. In 2020, singer Beyonce’s father was diagnosed with male breast cancer. He wrote an Op-Ed for the USA Times about his experience, which you can find here.
Mammogram Screening
Screening guidelines vary by country and individual risk factors. In the United States, the American Cancer Society categorizes guidelines for those with average and higher breast cancer risk.
For Average Risk:
Women aged 40-44 have the option to start annual screenings.
Women 45-54 should get annual mammograms.
Women Post 55, biennial (every other year) screening is an option, continuing as long as one is in good health.
For Higher Risk:
Begin screening at 30 with MRI and mammograms.
It’s important to understand that no scientific test is perfect, and mammograms are no different. However, mammography has a sensitivity of around 87%. This means that it detects cancer in 87 out of 100 patients. As I’ve said above, that’s the best tool we have at this time in detecting breast cancer.
Source: https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/screening/mammography/accuracy/
One piece of advice I’d highly recommend when you begin screening (or if you just need to have a mammogram) is to ask for a physical copy of your mammogram. I’m not talking about the report, I’m talking about the actual x-ray photos. Not all hospitals are compatible with their software programs or if you go to an outside hospital, they may not have your previous mammograms in the computer.
I didn’t know this before, but comparing previous and current mammograms is very important.
Below is an image of the average-size breast cancer lump found and by what method. As you can see, the smallest lump found is through comparative mammograms. This means that if you’ve had a mammogram, you really want your physician to review your previous mammogram with any future ones to compare for changes. Be clear with your doctor whether or not you have had any previous tests or mammograms, this information is important when reviewing your test.
Ok, so I think that wraps up my first mammogram journey and what I learned along the way. I really hope this information has been helpful.
Stay tuned for my next entry, "The Mammogram: Results Explained," where I'll share my experience of receiving an abnormal mammogram and where that led me.
As always, thanks for being here!
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Take care and continue creating,
