Women above 40 years old are susceptible to ailments like breast cancer, cervical cancer, osteoporosis and more. It is important to take regular tests, rule out these diseases and lead a healthy lifestyle. A mammogram is a test women should take to check for breast cancer symptoms. Keep reading to know more about what this test is all about, and how to prepare for the same.
Mammogram – Meaning and Process
A mammogram is nothing but an X-Ray process of your breast to check for abnormalities. Your breasts are pressed against two film surfaces so that the X-ray can capture the images of your breast tissues, and detect cancerous cells, if any.
This test is very important because it can detect breast cancer very early, making 100% recovery completely possible. Though 2D mammograms have been practiced for many years, many advanced clinics use 3D mammograms today.
Types of mammograms
When you opt to do a mammography test in Bangalore, it can be for screening and diagnostics.
Screening – Even if you have no signs of breast cancer, you can opt for a screening mammography test in Bangalore to detect cancer at a very early stage, as per your doctor’s recommendation.
Diagnostic – Your doctor will recommend this test for you when you notice certain symptoms of breast cancer like unusual lumps, breast pain, thickening of nipples and so on.
Preparing for your mammogram
Here are some tips you can follow when preparing for a mammography test in Bangalore, or any other place:
- If you have a lot of pain in the breasts, you can take a painkiller (based on your doctor’s recommendation) before the mammogram, as the process involves a lot of compressions in your breasts.
- Wear comfortable clothes, as you need to completely remove your top before the test. So, you don’t want to feel naked on the screening table.
- Don’t wear any jewelry around your neck; the technician will ask you to remove them before taking the test.
- Don’t drastically change your diet and sleeping routines the day before the mammography test.
- Always schedule your mammography tests a week after your period. During menstruation, your breasts may be slightly tender. A mammogram during this time, or a week before your period, will cause more pain in your breasts than in normal cases.
- Never use deodorants, perfumes, creams, or any lotions on your breasts or underarms on the day of your mammogram. X-rays can easily pick up the chemicals in these items, so the final results may be distorted.
- If you already have a mammogram, don’t forget to take those reports with you.
- You can go for a mammography test in Bangalore, or any other location, only if your doctor has recommended it. So, you have to show your doctor’s recommendation to the diagnostic center, before they do a mammogram.
- Don’t hesitate to voice out any discomfort during the mammography process. Please tell the technicians if they need to go slowly and give them a couple of minutes to relax if your breasts are compressed too much, if the machine needs to be adjusted, or anything else.
- Always wear flats or sneakers when you go for a mammography test. During this test, you must stand for a long time, with your breasts pushed forward and compressed against the film surface. So, wearing flats will make you feel comfortable.
- The entire mammography process takes around 30 minutes to complete. You can resume your normal activities after the process is complete. After the X-ray image of your breasts is done, you will be asked for a while, while the diagnostic team checks the quality of these images. If they are unclear, you may be called for a second mammogram, though it happens in rare instances only.