Breast cancer is a prevalent concern that affects millions of women worldwide. Regular mammography screenings play a crucial role in early detection and treatment, potentially saving lives. However, for many women, the thought of undergoing a mammogram can be accompanied by feelings of anxiety, discomfort, or even fear.
Nonetheless, there are steps you can take to make your mammography experience more comfortable, both physically and emotionally. By understanding the process, preparing yourself mentally, and seeking support, you can alleviate some of the stress associated with mammograms. In this blog post, we share practical tips that can help make mammography exams easier for you.
Understanding the Importance of Mammography Screening
Mammograms are X-ray exams of the breasts that can detect anomalies before any symptoms of breast cancer are present. Regular mammograms provide detailed images that increase the chances of successful breast cancer treatment and survival rates. Mammography screening is crucial for detecting breast cancer early and saving lives. It allows for early intervention and a higher chance of successful treatment. It’s recommended that women start having regular breast cancer screenings at the age of 40 or earlier if they have a family history of breast cancer.
Preparing for Your Mammography Exam
When getting ready for your mammography exam, it’s important to take a few simple steps to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience:
- Wear comfortable clothing on the day of the exam. You’ll be asked to remove your upper garments, so wearing something easy to remove will save you time and hassle.
- Avoid scheduling your mammogram during your menstrual period as breasts can be more sensitive during this time.
- During the mammogram, remember that compression is necessary but should not cause severe pain. The technician will gently position each of your breasts between two plates and apply pressure for a few seconds while taking an X-ray picture. Although this might feel uncomfortable or slightly painful, it’s essential for obtaining accurate results. If you experience excessive pain or discomfort during the procedure, communicate with the technician immediately so adjustments can be made.
While screening for breast cancer may be uncomfortable, the procedure is much more comfortable when a mammography chair is used. These chairs are specifically designed for screening mammogram procedures, making them ideal for clinical breast exams.
What are the benefits of clinical chairs?
Communicating with the Technologist
To ensure a successful mammography exam, it’s crucial that you communicate openly and effectively with the technologist. By actively communicating with the technologist before, during, and after your mammography exam, you’re making the process of assessing the risk for breast cancer easier.
Before your exam, make sure to inform the technologist if you’ve noticed any changes in your breasts during a self-exam. This information can help them better analyze your results and detect any potential signs of breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, be sure to discuss this with the technologist as well, as they may recommend additional tests or specific imaging technology based on your individual needs.
During the exam itself, don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice any concerns you may have. The technologist is there to assist you and provide support. If at any point you experience discomfort or pain, let them know immediately so they can adjust their positioning or technique accordingly. Remember, open communication is key to ensuring both your comfort and accurate testing results.
After receiving your mammogram results, take the time to discuss them with the technologist. They can help explain what they found in your breast tissue and address further steps that may be needed. Whether it’s scheduling an annual mammogram or recommending additional testing based on suspicious findings, you can trust their expertise and guidance in managing your risk for breast cancer.
Adjusting Compression for Comfort
Compression helps separate the breast tissue layers, reducing overlap and improving the detection of breast cancer. By adjusting the compression, the technologist can obtain clearer mammogram images that enable better evaluation of both fatty tissue and normal breast tissue.
The technologist will work with you to find a compression level that is comfortable yet effective in producing clear images. While some discomfort may be experienced during compression, it should not be painful. Communicate openly with the technologist about your comfort level so they can make adjustments accordingly.
Requesting a Mammography Chair
A mammography chair can enhance your comfort and overall experience during the exam. Having a specially designed chain can help alleviate the discomfort associated with the compression of the breasts during a mammography exam and make the whole process easier for both the patient and the radiologist. These chairs are designed to provide support and stability while allowing for optimal positioning during the exam.
By using a mammography chair, you can ensure that you are in a comfortable position throughout the procedure, making it easier for both you and the technician. In addition, a mammography chair can improve the quality of the exam. When patients are more comfortable and relaxed, it’s easier for technicians to obtain clear images of the breast tissue. By requesting a mammography chair, you’re not only prioritizing your own comfort but also ensuring that accurate and detailed images are obtained.
Understanding Breast Density
Breast density refers to the amount of glandular and fibrous tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breasts. Women with dense breast tissue may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer and their mammograms may be more challenging to interpret.
If you have dense breast tissue, it may be harder for radiologists to detect abnormalities on a mammogram since both healthy dense tissue and tumors appear white on the image. In such cases, additional imaging tests like molecular breast imaging, breast ultrasound, or diagnostic mammogram may be recommended to get a clearer image of your breast health. These specialized techniques enable the earlier detection of suspicious areas that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Utilizing Relaxation Techniques During the Exam
Making use of relaxation techniques during your mammography exam allows you to find calm and ease amidst any discomfort. This will help you have a more positive experience during your exam. It’s natural to feel some level of anxiety or discomfort during a mammography exam. However, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and visualization can help alleviate these feelings.
Taking slow, deep breaths can help relax your muscles and reduce tension. Visualizing yourself in a peaceful environment or engaging in activities that bring you joy can also distract from any discomfort you may be feeling. When you’re able to remain calm and relaxed during the exam, healthcare professionals can efficiently perform the necessary imaging procedures without interruption. This allows for more accurate results and reduces the need for additional testing or follow-up appointments.
Seeking Emotional Support and Counseling
Seeking emotional support isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an empowering step toward taking control of your own health and well-being. Reach out to supportive individuals or organizations specializing in breast self-awareness and breast cancer care. They can provide valuable resources and connections to professionals who understand the unique challenges associated with mammography exams.
Seeking emotional support from friends, family, or professional counselors can help alleviate fears or anxieties you may have. Whether it’s a friend who’s been through similar experiences or a professional counselor trained in providing support for medical procedures, sharing your concerns can help ease the burden.
Following up and Understanding Your Results
Stay proactive, ask questions, and work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs. In some instances, your mammogram results may show breast calcifications or other findings that require further evaluation through follow-up testing.
Additional mammograms or clinical breast examinations might be necessary to gather more information about these findings. While it’s natural to feel anxious during this process, remember that early detection plays a vital role in detecting breast cancer at an early stage.
Discover REAL Mammography Chairs
The REAL mammography chair has been tailor-made to offer the best mammogram experience. Thanks to these modern clinical chairs, radiologists can take quality mammograms without compromising a patient’s safety or comfort. Thanks to their modular design, REAL mammography chairs allow health professionals to efficiently treat patients of all body types and sizes. Not only does this guarantee the most straightforward and effective treatment, but it also facilitates providing high-risk patients with quality medical care.
