A mammogram is special x-ray to detect lumps in the breast. CANSA recommends women from the age of 40 go for an annual mammogram. And women 55 years and older, should have a mammogram at least every two years
I recently read that breast cancer is the leading cancer amongst South African women, with approximately 19.4 million women aged from 15 and older being at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. So on the last day of Breast cancer awareness month I went for my first mammogram.
Driving to Wilgers Female Imaging Centre I realized that I was feeling a lot more anxious than I expected. Luckily the long drive afforded me the opportunity to ask myself what was behind this feeling of anxiousness. After some internal conversation I narrowed it down to not knowing what the process was going to be like, and was it going to be painful. And of course the dreaded word ‘cancer’ also scares me. Arriving at the centre I picked up my handbag and my fear and walked into the building. A half an hour later I left the centre with a deep sense of gratitude.
Now that I’m a mammogram wiser, here are five things I wish I knew before my first mammogram.
1. A mammogram isn’t as bad as they said it was going be
I have dreaded going for a mammogram for some years now. I don’t remember who it was, but someone told me how painful it is and that really scared me. I’m not going to say I felt fully relaxed during my first mammogram, but it wasn’t any more awkward or uncomfortable than seeing my gynaecologist — something I have been doing for many years. During the mammogram there’s definitely pressure, and there’s certainly discomfort — but I wouldn’t say it’s painful.
2. A mammogram doesn’t take very long
The mammogram process is quick and at a lot easier than I expected. First, I had to remove my shirt and bra and put on the provided robe. Then, a mammogram technologist helped position one of my breasts on the specialized X-ray machine. Next, the machine compressed my breast for just a few seconds while the technologist took the X-ray. This process is then repeated about two or three times for each breast. Each compression is very quick, and the entire imaging process lasted about five to ten minutes. Filling in all the paperwork took longer than the mammogram itself.
3. Your technologist will walk you through each step of your mammogram
I was impressed by the mammogram technologist who was very professional, and I think seeing my uncertainty and anxiousness, explained each step as we went along. I was grateful for the female technologist’s kindness and patience with me.
4. You don’t have to wait for the results
After the mammogram I also had a ultrasound of my breasts done. The doctor was professional and talked me through what he was seeing. He also happily answered all my questions, and I had many. As I entered the waiting room after the ultrasound one of the assistants handed me my report. No waiting for a phone call or email – you get your results there and then.
5. You have homework between your mammograms
Research has shown that a regular Breast Self-Examination (BSE), can play an important role in discovering breast cancer early. So put it in your diary ladies – do a BSE once a month, preferably at the same day each month, following your menstrual cycle. There are very good BSE videos on line.
While a regular BSE is extremely helpful, it is important to go for a more thorough investigation once a year. A Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) is a visual and manual examination of the entire breast, from the collarbone to the bra line, and from the armpit to the breast bone by a professional nurse or medical practitioner. CANSA offers Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE) at their CANSA Care Centres. This is next on my breast health to-do-list.
I definitely would encourage anyone over 40 to go for a routine mammogram every year. But you don’t have to wait until 40. Go for a mammogram if there is redness or heat, lumps and bumps, dimpling, retracted nipples etc. Don’t wait until it is too late.
Lots of love
xxx
