Download mammograms - what you should know

What You Should Know
www.carefirst.com
about Mammograms
A lot of women are afraid of
mammograms, but having one is
definitely worthwhile. If the test is
When should I have a mammogram?
■ Women between 40 and 49 years of age should ask their doctor
if they need a mammogram.
■ Women who are 50 to 69 years old should have a mammogram
every one to two years
Call your doctor to make an appointment for a mammogram if you fall
under any of these categories that pose a higher risk of breast cancer:
■ Your mother or sister has/had breast cancer.
■ You have Jewish ancestors from Eastern Europe (a certain gene
is carried among this group).
■ You had your first menstrual period before age 12.
normal, you will feel better knowing
you are okay. If there is a problem, it is
better to know early. Regular mammograms can detect breast cancer before it
spreads. Treatment works best when the
cancer is found early.
■ Your periods stopped after age 50.
■ You never had children, or you had your first child after age 30.
■ You have had radiation treatments to your chest area.
■ You have a lump, nipple discharge, breast pain or dimpling of
skin on the breast.
How can I get ready for my mammogram?
So put your fears aside and get a
mammogram. It could save your life.
■ Make the appointment for one week after your period,
when the breasts are less sensitive.
■ Wear a shirt with shorts, pants, or a skirt. This makes it easier
to undress from the waist up.
■ Do not wear deodorant, perfume, lotion or powder under arms
or on breasts on the day of the appointment. These products
make shadows on the mammogram.
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Are there any risks?
Resources
The Mammography Quality Standard Act (MQSA) is a
Federal law designed to ensure that mammograms are safe
and reliable. The FDA makes certain that facilities across the
country meet MQSA standards.
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Click on My Care First, our health and
wellness page.
The level of radiation is low, so there is little risk from a
mammogram. If you are pregnant and need to have an
abnormality checked, the technologist will give you a lead
apron to shield your abdominal area.
Can I do anything else protect myself against
breast cancer?
The American Cancer Society
recommends that all women
ages 20 and older perform
monthly breast self-exams. In
addition, your health care
provider should feel your
breasts for lumps every one to
two years, beginning at age 40.
This is called a clinical breast
exam.
Breast self-exams and clinical
breast exams are important
ways to check for breast cancer,
but should not replace mammograms. Mammograms can
detect tiny lumps too small to see or feel.
American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS-2345
www.cancer.org
The National Cancer Institute
800-4-CANCER
www.nci.nih.gov