MAMMOGRAPHY: WHEN IN DOUBT GET IN CHECKED OUT

Firstly, a mammogram is simply an X-ray image of the breasts. Dr. Barbara Karin Vela uses these to detect early signs of breast cancer.

When undertaken regularly, mammography is the leading method for finding breast cancer early, sometimes this can be up to 3 years before it can be felt or noticed by the patient.

BREAST SCREENING CAN BE LIFE SAVING Detecting breast cancer early can reduce your risk of dying from the disease by 25-30% or more. if women are at high risk, they should start annual mammograms at age 40 or earlier.

NO NEED TO BE AFRAID

A mammogram is a quick procedure (about 20 minutes) with minimal discomfort for most women. The procedure is safe: mammograms have very little radiation exposure. To ease the anxiety of waiting for results, try going to a center that will give you results before you leave.

BE PREPARED

Bring your previous mammograms/results, the doctor will appreciate it. If you’ve been to the same institution before, make sure anyone viewing your new results can see your previous results.

GO EVERY YEAR

Once you find a doctor or clinic you trust, try to go there every year so your mammograms can be compared year after year.

GO NATURAL

Do not use deodorant or antiperspirant during your mammogram. It’s okay, just a few hours. choose natural ladies as these will appear in the movie and affect the test results.

DON’T DELAY

Women over the age of 40 should have a mammogram every year. If you are at high risk of breast cancer, have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or have a history of breast radiation, it is recommended that you be at a younger age (usually 30). Discuss your personalized screening plan with your doctor.