The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know Breast Cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the U.S. every year? Throughout the year you’ll see people wear or display a pink ribbon. The pink ribbon is a universal symbol to raise awareness and bring women together in solidarity.
It is recommended that women start receiving mammograms at age 40. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other factors you could receive screenings sooner. If you have never had a mammogram, you may feel nervous about the unknown, so we have some tips to help prepare for your first one.
Before Your Appointment:
- Scheduling: Try to schedule your appointment when your breasts aren't tender. It's recommended to avoid the week before your menstrual cycle, if possible.
- Plan Out Your Outfit: It’s best to avoid dresses or clothing that can be difficult to remove. It's recommended to wear pants or a skirt, so you only have to remove your top.
- Removing antiperspirant: Pack essentials like deodorant for after your appointment. Before your exam, you will need to wipe away any deodorant, perfume, or powder from under your arms.
During Your Appointment:
- Communicate: Be sure to tell your technician if you have any concerns, if you are breastfeeding or think you may be pregnant, or if you have breast implants.
- Relax! Your technician will try to put you at ease as best they can. Try to relax.
After Your Appointment:
- Receiving your results: You will be notified of your results. This could be via mail or online through a patient portal.
- Don't panic: If you receive a call about a follow-up appointment...don't panic. It’s natural to think of the worst-case scenario, however, there are many reasons results can come back abnormal. This could even mean your images aren’t clear and need to be retaken.
- Follow-up: If your results are normal, be sure to complete routine checks at home. If you need to be seen for further screenings, your primary care doctor will follow up with you.
Once you complete your first mammogram, hopefully you will feel a little better about your future appointments. Be sure to complete your routine checks at home and inform your physician if you feel anything that concerns you.
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