Breast cancer is a highly prevalent and dangerous condition among women. Medical practitioners use mammograms, an x-ray image of breasts, to see any early signs of breast cancer. It is an essential diagnosis, especially for middle-aged and older women.
What exactly is mammogram screening?
A screening mammogram is usually performed on women who do not have any signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Regular checkups of mammograms can help reduce the number of breast cancer deaths in women aged 40 to 74. This is because they can get breast cancer early, and treatment can start early, perhaps before it spreads.
But testing for mammograms can also be risky. Sometimes they may find something that looks strange but not cancerous. This leads to further tests and may cause you anxiety. Sometimes mammograms can miss cancer if they are present. It also exposes you to radiation. It would be best if you talked to your practitioner about the pros and cons of mammograms. Together, you can decide when and how to start a mammogram.
How is a mammogram taken?
If you have a mammogram, stand in front of the x-ray machine. The x-ray person places your chest between two plastic plates. Plates compress your chest and make it flat. This may not be comfortable, but it does help to get a clear picture.
You will get both x-ray breasts from the front and sides. After that, the radiologist will study the mammogram. The doctor will x-ray to find the first signs of breast cancer or other problems. You will usually get the results in a few weeks, even if it goes to the clinic or medical office you went to. If your results are abnormal, you should hear them in advance. Contact your provider or the office where you performed the mammogram if you do not receive your results report within 30 days.
Should I be worried if my mammogram is not normal?
An abnormal mammogram does not point to cancer. You will need to have additional mammograms or other tests or even be asked to visit a breast specialist or surgeon. However, that is not enough of a reason for needing surgery.
Mammogram screening should become a part of one’s general checkup, especially after 40. It is the go-to method for cancer diagnosis, and it is always better to diagnose them early. One can find multiple places that offer mammogram screening in Fair Lawn, NJ.
