Mammograms are the gold standard when it comes to screening for breast cancer, the second-most common type of cancer among women (skin cancers are the most common). While most women know they should have mammograms to monitor for cancer, many don’t know when they should begin screening or how frequently they need to be screened.
To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Harbor Community Health Centers team is sharing a brief overview of mammograms. This information provides women with the information they need to play a more proactive role in their health and wellness. Here’s what they want you to know about scheduling your first mammogram.
Mammograms are essentially X-ray exams explicitly designed for your breasts. A mammogram machine uses a unique platform that helps “spread out” your breast tissue so the X-rays can penetrate better and capture clear, detailed images of your breast tissue.
Before the exam, you’ll change into a medical gown, removing your top and bra. Next, you’ll stand in front of a special platform designed to hold and support your breasts. The device scans one breast at a time.
Once you’re in place, a special plate is placed on the lower platform, compressing your breast tissue. Finally, the X-ray machine is switched on and off very quickly—the entire X-ray takes just a second or so. The screening is then repeated on your other breast.
Having your breasts compressed can be uncomfortable, but fortunately, the entire process is swift. Afterward, there’s no downtime and no lingering issues. Although your breasts may be a bit sore or sensitive for a brief period afterward, you won’t have any lingering discomfort.
For women with an average risk of breast cancer, current guidelines recommend having your first mammogram at age 40, then every 1-2 years after that until age 74. Once you reach age 74, you and your doctor can decide on the frequency of your mammograms or if you need them.
Women with an increased risk of breast cancer may need to begin screening at an earlier age, have screenings more often, or both. Women are considered to have a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer if they have factors like:
In addition to beginning mammograms at an earlier age, some women benefit from having ultrasound imaging of their breasts in addition to mammograms, particularly if they have dense breast tissue.
Bottom line: If you’re not sure when to begin having mammograms, our team can help. We review your medical history and risk factors to recommend an ideal screening schedule that will help you stay healthy.
Our team offers mammograms twice a month at our Pacific Avenue location, helping women get screening in a convenient and familiar location. To schedule your mammogram, call 310-547-0202 to schedule an appointment with the Harbor Community Health Centers team at one of our two locations in San Pedro, California, today.
