October 1997
Dispelling The Myths Of
Mammography |
| How
a mammogram is performed; how it is read |
October is Breast Health Awareness Month. The best
known tool to fight breast cancer is the mammogram. In the past, mammography has had quite
a stigma attached to it, along with several myths about who should have a mammogram and
what it's like to have one taken. The following will hopefully dispel some of the negative
beliefs associated with mammography.
 Mammography is a simple, safe
radiographic (X-ray) examination of the breast. The word "mammography" comes
from the Latin word meaning breast and "graph" meaning a drawing. The
examination produces radiographic pictures called mammograms.
Why Do I Need A Mammogram?
 Mammograms show slight changes in breast tissue. They reveal both
harmless and cancerous growths even when these growths are too small to be felt by a woman
or her physician. The great majority of lumps turn out to be harmless.
When cancer is present, mammography can save lives through early
detection. For all women, mammography is the best way to screen for breast cancer and
detect a cancer the size of a grain of salt, long before it can be felt by hand. This
early detection is important because small tumors are generally easier to treat and early
removal increases the odds that the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.
A mammogram should be performed at an accredited mammography
facility. A trained technologist (mammographer) performs the procedure with specially
designed X-ray equipment used solely for mammography. A radiologist, who is a physician
with special training in radiology, interprets the mammograms.
The American College of Radiology has an accreditation program for
facilities to assure a high quality examination. Alliance Women's Health has achieved this
accreditation at 13 sites and three mobile vans. A fourteenth site will be opened in
November in the Lazarus department store at Fountain Place, downtown Cincinnati, OH.
Common Myths about Mammography and Breast Cancer
Myth 1:
I don't need a mammogram if I don't have any symptoms.
Fact: Mammography can detect breast cancer up to two
years before you or your physician can feel a lump. A mammogram can detect breast cancer
in its earliest, most treatable stages.
Myth 2:
There is no history of breast cancer in my family, so I don't need to worry about getting
it.
Fact: Eighty percent of women who develop breast
cancer have no family history of the disease. One out of nine women will get breast cancer
sometime during her lifetime. Mammography can help beat the odds.
Myth 3:
I don't need a mammogram unless my physician says I do.
Fact: The American College of Radiology and the
American Cancer Society recommend women between the ages of 35 and 40 have a baseline
mammogram; women between 40 and 49 should have an annual or biannual mammogram and should
consult their personal physicians about their need for mammography; and women over 50
should have a mammogram every year.
Myth 4:
I had one normal mammogram, so I don't need another one.
Fact: One is not enough. Women should have mammograms
done as recommended. Mammography is the most advanced and cost effective way to detect
early breast cancer. It can detect breast cancer when it is in its earliest, most
treatable stages. However, approximately 15-20 percent of all breast cancers will not be
identified by mammography alone. For this reason, monthly breast self-examination (BSE)
and a yearly physical exam also are recommended as part of a complete breast health
program.
Myth 5:
Mammography every year is too much radiation.
Fact: The radiation exposure from mammography
equipment is very small. The benefits far outweigh the risk. It is much more dangerous to
allow breast cancer to go undetected than to be exposed to the very low dose of radiation
from mammography. The amount of exposure needed for a mammogram can be compared to that
received from normal sources of radiation in the environment.
Myth 6:
Mammograms are painful.
Fact: A mammogram is simply an X-ray of your breasts.
The technologist is trained to obtain the best possible exam while minimizing discomfort.
Women differ in the amount of compression that they can tolerate, so let your technologist
know if the pressure is too much. Because it is necessary to adequately compress (or
fatten) the breast to produce a more uniform thickness, the procedure may cause some
slight discomfort for a few seconds. However, it should not hurt. The technologist will
take two or more pictures of each breast. This results in a mammogram that is as clear and
detailed as possible. Breast compression also reduces the amount of X-ray exposure needed.
It is often best to schedule your mammogram one week following the
start of your period, when your breasts are less likely to be tender. For some women,
caffeine causes breast tenderness. If you are tender-breasted, eliminate as much caffeine
as possible (if not totally) for one to two weeks before your appointment. Some common
sources of caffeine are coffee, tea, sodas and chocolate.
Myth 7:
If a mammogram does show something, it's too late.
Fact: Don't fear the results of a mammogram. When
breast cancer is found in its earliest stages, your chances of surviving are at least 90
percent or better. And there are now several improved and effective treatment options.
Remember these three key tips:
1. Get a mammogram.
2. Have an annual physical breast exam by your physician.
3. Do monthly breast self-exams (BSE).
On the day of your exam, wear a two-piece outfit, since you will
need to disrobe from the waist up. It is recommended that you do not wear deodorant, body
powder, perfume, lotion or cream on your breasts or underarms. These substances can leave
residues that interfere with examination results. During the exam, simply relax and
cooperate with the technologist to ensure the most effective results.
For a listing of Alliance mammography locations call (513) 569-CARE or 1-888-640-CARE,
or check this web site under Classes and Events for the Alliance Women's Health mobile
unit.
 The Health
Alliance is now offering a free reminder for mammograms and pap smears. Click here
for details.
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