How
to Prepare for a Mammogram
Only
2 out of every 1000 mammograms are positive. This exam should be a part
of a health conscious woman's life. A few simple steps can make the test
more comfortable and more accurate.
Difficulty
Level: easy Time Required: 15 minutes
Here's
How:
- Do some
research -- knowing what to expect will make you more relaxed.
- Still
nervous about the procedure? Pay a visit to the center where your mammogram
will be done and speak to the professional staff.
- Do not
listen to tales from friends or co-workers. A mammogram should not be
a terrifying ordeal.
- Schedule
your appointment for a week after your period when your breasts are
less tender.
- A vitamin
E supplement, 400 to 800 IU a day, for a few weeks before the exam seems
to ease the discomfort.
- Take a
non-aspirin pain reliever a hour before the mammogram and again afterwards
if you're feeling discomfort.
- On the
day of the mammogram, don't use antiperspirant or deodorant. Some of
the ingredients can interfere with the quality of the result.
- Don't
use powders, skin creams, perfumes or any other chemicals that may give
false readings on the mammogram.
- Avoid
any kind of caffeine. Coffee, colas and other caffeine rich foods may
lead to engorged cysts and interfere with the reading.
- Wear a
two-piece outfit. That way you only need to take off your top.
- Do your
best to relax while the technician takes the x-ray. Tensing may cause
you to move and have to go through the whole thing again.
- Do not
expect bad news if the technicians won't tell you anything. It only
means that they are not trained to interpret the results.
- Schedule
an appointment with your doctor for a week to ten days after the exam.
That way you can be sure that the results will be available.
- If you
have had mammograms before, make sure the doctor has all of the films.
That way changes from one mammogram to the next can be seen.
Tips:
- Be an
advocate for yourself. If the mammogram was a result of changes in your
breast and it comes out negative, ask for further tests.
- There
is some debate, but the standard recommendation is that you get a mammogram
every two years after 40 and yearly after 50.
- Don't
panic if you get a positive result. Cysts, calcium deposits and benign
fibroid tumors all show up on a mammogram.
also see related feature -> What's
this about mammograms?
Why
DON'T You Get a Mammogram (Take Our Poll)
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