Mammography is a special type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray machine
to examine the breast, demonstrating the tissues, the glands, fat and blood
vessels under the skin of the breast.
Who should have a mammogram done?
You should have a mammogram done if you notice any changes in your breasts
or if you are 40 years old and above.
For many years mammogram has been used to assist your doctor in the diagnosis
of breast problems. There are two reasons for having a mammogram - diagnosis and screening.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis means evaluating a patient with abnormal
findings in the breasts either found by the woman or her doctor. Finding a lump
or changes in your breast is a worrying experience. The changes may include
thickening ( any change in breast size or shape), pain in the breast or nipple discharge. Most changes may not be due to cancer but you should see your doctor as soon as possible to arrange the necessary tests.
Screening
Screening means looking for possible
breast cancer, though you are well.
A mammogram can detect tiny changes in your breast which you
may not have noticed. These changes may be due to cancer. Early
detection and treatment of such cancers offer the best chance
for cure. About one in 17 woman will develop breast cancer at
some time in her life.
The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
70% occurs in women over 50.
It is less common in women under 40.
Women with a family history of breast cancer should be aware
that this does increase their own risk and that breast screening
is particularly important for them.
You should discuss with your doctor about the benefits of
having a mammogram.
Are there any risks in having
a Mammogram?
With modern machinery the amount
of radiation delivered to the breast is very low. The effective radiation dose from a mammogram is about 0.7 mSv, which is about the same as the average person receives from background radiation in three months. The health
risk of having a mammogram is much less than the health risk
of smoking one cigarette.
What happens during a Mammography procedure?
During the procedure, our friendly, qualified female
radiographer will position you to capture images of your breasts, one at a time.
The breast is positioned carefully on a special platform and compressed with a
paddle. The breast tissue is flattened as much as possible, in gradation, to allow
the best pictures to be taken.
Breast compression is necessary in order to:
keep the breast still in order to eliminate image blurring due to movement
spread out the breast thickness so that all of the tissues can be imaged, as such that, small tissue
abnormalities are not obscured by overlying breast tissue
Allow the usage of lower x-ray dose (dosage is directly reduced with reduced tissue thickness)
You may feel some discomfort when your breasts are compressed. If discomfort is significant or pain
occurs as the compression is increased, do inform the radiographer, so that less compression will be used.
The routine views taken are top-to-bottom and side views for each breast. The complete procedure takes only
a few minutes.
You will be requested to wait after the procedure as the radiographer needs to check the films with our radiologist in case additional views are required.
What can I do to keep my breast
healthy?
Seek advice early if you notice any change in your breast.
Don't wait and worry.
If you are 40 years or older, ask your doctor about having
a mammogram.
As you grow older, regular mammograms should become part
of your usual health checks.
Have your doctor examined your breast at least once a year.
Do monthly breast self examination (BSE). (Ask for a BSE
fact sheet).
Things to Remember
For your convenience, wear a two-piece outfit, a skirt or
slacks and a top.
Don't apply powder, deodorant or cream on the breasts and
armpits as they may show on the film or
interfere with the examination.
Bring along with you the pictures of mammograms you have
had before.
If you are, or think that you may be pregnant, do let our x-ray staff know prior to procedure, so that an appointment can be arranged.
If you have breasts implants, either silicone or saline implants, do let the radiographer know prior. This is
important because the implants are not transparent on x-rays and can block the view of breast tissues
behind them. As such, special techniques would be used, where the breasts will be carefully
compressed to improve the views without rupturing the implants.
And remember that - Early Detection Means Breast Cancer Can Be Cured
