1st Mammogram

I have to start getting mammograms as of this year, can't put it off any longer. Then as expected to get one every year or two years thereafter; as there is no history in the family of cancer, at least breast CA, doc said she would be ok with every two years but I have heard it is better annually. My questions are these:

1. What can I expect with this test?
2. Wouldn't it be better to get them done annually?

The insight will help to ease fears as for some reason I'm really nervous about this, and baring my chest to this radiology person. I know they've seen them before but still, not looking forward to this.

It may seem silly to some so I appreciate your patience, and THANKS in advance for your response and insight!

Getting a mammogram is a bit nervewracking and I found it to be a bit painful. You'll be asked to take off your top and blouse and be given one of those hospital tops that tie in the back to wear in the waiting room.

When you get into the room where they do the test, you'll have to remove the gown - try not to be shy or embarrassed - the radiographers see litterally hundreds of breasts.

You'll have to lie your breast on a plate and the radiographer will put another plate on top of it. This is where it gets uncomfortable - they'll squish your breast as flat as possible. I'd suggest maybe taking a minor pain killer beforehand. But it's really not that bad, and it's fast.

Then they'll do the other breast and you're done.

Not sure how old you are, but if you have no history of breast cancer in your family every other year should be fine, as long as you're also getting an annual physical that includes a breast exam.

It's an important part of taking care of your health so good luck with it, and you can be proud of having done it, once it's over.

splitimage

I agree with splitimage. I have to have one every year because my breast tissue is dense and I had a biopsy once. I won't lie, it does hurt a bit but its tolerable and I usually tell them if its not tolerable. What's most uncomfortable is the way they have to get your rib cage really close so they get all the breast tissue. Do take a pain reliever 30 mins before.

Too much caffeine can make the breasts painful so if that's an issue, lower or stop your intake 2 weeks prior. If you're still menstruating you can book the appt when you're breasts are the least tender.

Usually they tell me to have the gown open in the front so I can keep one side on, but that's not too important. As far a being revealed to the technician - they're women and they've done this hundreds of times. In fact I bet they would love not to do it again lol.

I wish they could come up with an easier way than squishing the breasts like a pancake. I often joke about - what if men have to detect testicular cancer the same way lol.

Hi - I also find the mammogram to be painful, but my breasts are ALWAYS sore -- so it wasn't a surprise. LOL

There wasn't any breast cancer in my family either -- until I got it. It was found by the mammogram, thank God. We caught it very early, and I just had to have a lumpectomy & radiation. So a mammogram IS VERY IMPORTANT. If you would feel better about having one annually, just tell your doctor -- he shouldn't care how often you have it done.

Best of luck -- and God bless. Hugs, Lee

Don't put on any deodorant/lotion/powder after you shower until after the mammogram is complete.