A woman’s life is truly not easy – there are so many responsibilities and precautions we must take, so many steps to ensure our well-being. But it’s all worth it for the sake of our health and our lives. Among the special health checks women need is breast care, and for this, a woman’s great ally is the mammogram.
Thousands of women around the world have suffered from a disease that keeps them up at night, destroys dreams, and in many cases, takes lives. Breast cancer is currently one of the leading causes of death worldwide! However, there are ways to prevent it, and even to monitor or detect the disease at an early stage, which gives the opportunity for a full and faster recovery. Breast cancer is more common in women over 55 years old, but it can also occur in younger women.
For younger women, feeling their breasts as often as possible is a way to detect any lump or sign of something unusual in the area, so that they can see a doctor for the proper evaluation. For women over 40, an annual mammogram is recommended. For women with a family history of breast cancer, the recommended age drops to 35 years old. Women with close relatives, such as a mother or sister, who have had the disease are at greater risk, but recent research shows that 85% of women who have or have had the disease have no family members with a history of the disease. That is why mammogram screening is recommended for all women, without exception.
A mammogram is a radiological procedure performed using an X-ray device called a mammograph. With this equipment it is possible to detect lumps, lesions, cancers, or even calcifications in the breasts. A mammogram is recommended even before a lump can be detected by touch, which is why it is called a preventive and early detection test. Unfortunately, this is a test many women fear because of its “reputation” for being painful, due to the necessary compression of the breasts in the device. However, not all women feel pain or discomfort during the procedure. Even though it is a feared procedure, it is the best way for early diagnosis of breast cancer, and all women, without exception, should have the test done.
How and Where Is the Mammography Exam Performed?
The mammogram can be performed on two types of equipment, digital or conventional. Both use X-rays to capture the images, but the only difference is that, with the conventional machine, the image is printed on a film after it is captured. If there is any error with the film, including lack of sharpness, the procedure must be repeated for a new print. With the digital version, modern technology transfers the images to a computer, allowing the technician to make adjustments and even zoom in on areas that need highlighting in the result. The images are also stored for future use, so it is not necessary to repeat exams constantly, which in turn avoids unnecessary exposure of the patient to radiation.
For women who say they don’t have a medical insurance plan or cannot afford the cost of the test, the public healthcare system (SUS) provides mammograms, as long as the patient is monitored by a network doctor. For those who have an insurance plan, the exam is covered by all health plans and insurance policies.
As this exam is considered painful, some precautions can help avoid even more discomfort. Avoid scheduling the exam near your period, when the breasts are swollen and more sensitive to touch. Some doctors recommend taking painkillers before the procedure, which can lessen the pain. To take the test, a woman must expose her breasts, so opt for simple clothing, such as a shirt that can be unbuttoned for easy access or T-shirts and tops that are easily removed. If you’re wearing a dress or one-piece garment, you will need to undress completely to do the procedure.
As difficult as it may be for you, try to relax and allow the technician to position you in the best way possible. The correct and proper positioning of the breast in the device will allow the images to be captured accurately, allowing the exam to last just a few seconds. If you experience major discomfort or have any type of restriction regarding the exam, let the doctor know. For women with breast implants, the procedure is different, as more images need to be taken to get accurate views. Just like any other health care procedure, mammography is necessary and essential for women’s health monitoring. Having regular checkups with a trusted doctor ensures that your routine tests are always up to date, and that you will receive proper treatment when necessary, reducing the risk of diseases and unpleasant surprises.
See also: What is the Pap Smear and How is it Done?
Photos: National Cancer Institute
