Mammograms are an important tool for detecting breast cancer at an earlier stage when it is more likely to be more treatable. They involve X-rays of the breast and can detect problems with the development of breast tissue, like cysts and tumors. A breast imaging center called Advanced Medical Imaging says that mammography has a sensitivity of about 85%, meaning that it correctly identifies 85 out of every 100 women who truly have breast cancer. Since women above the age of 40 are at high risk of developing breast cancer, they need to have annual breast cancer screening. This post will provide a number of tips on how women can prepare themselves for a mammogram.
Find An ACR Accredited Facility For Your Mammogram.
The first thing you should do is look for a facility that is accredited. ACR stands for the American College of Radiology, often referred to as the gold standard in breast imaging practices. This ensures that your mammogram will be done with high quality standards and with mammography equipment that is regularly tested for quality and safety. However, when finding a facility with ACR accreditation, you should make sure that the facility also has an agreement with your insurance company to cover the cost of your mammogram.
Do Not Wear Deodorant Or Lotion Under Your Arms.
You should make sure you do not put on any deodorant, lotions, or creams under your breast before the mammogram takes place. Any petroleum based products can make it difficult for your technician to read your results. In addition, the oils in these products can show up in the X-rays and may lead to confusion in the results when diagnosed by a radiologist. However, it may be okay to wear talcum powder and petroleum or aluminum free antiperspirants. Make sure to check with your doctor before scheduling your mammogram.
Schedule Your Appointment When Your Breasts Are Least Likely To Be Tender.
It is essential to schedule your appointment around the time of the month when you are least likely to be tender so your technician can get clear images of your breast tissue. Mammograms are often involved with X-ray exams of the breast, so it is wise to book your appointment for times when you are least likely to be in pain. Tender breasts can cause unnecessary discomfort, which may result in poor image quality. In addition, make sure you don’t have any pre-existing medical conditions that may interfere with your mammogram. It is best to contact your doctor if you are concerned about this before scheduling an appointment.
Bringing All Necessary Paperwork.
You should make sure you bring all the necessary paperwork to your appointment. This includes results from any previous mammograms, your insurance card, and a list of any medications you are taking. This will prevent delays in the radiologist’s ability to quickly determine whether or not you need additional tests done after completing your mammogram. It will also help your radiologist understand any conditions or problems you’re dealing with. Additionally, if you have any concerns, you can compile a list of questions you would like to ask the radiologist and bring that along with you. Ensure that you get the answers you need before proceeding with the exam.
Wear Appropriate Cloth And Jewelry
Because mammograms use X-rays to produce images, you should wear a two-piece outfit or a bra that unhooks in the front for easy removal during the scan. It’s also essential to take off any jewelry and clothing with metal zippers and buttons. Any metal within your body can cause shadows in the image and include objects outside of your body in the image, making it difficult for the radiologist to give you an accurate diagnosis.
Taking these five tips into account will help you prepare for a mammogram and ensure that the process is efficient and takes place with little to no discomfort. Your radiologist and healthcare provider will be able to get better and more accurate images of your breast. If the test shows that there are cancerous tissues, you will start treatment while the cancer is in the early stages when it is still treatable.
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