Mammograms are critical in diagnosing breast cancer early. According to breastcancer.org, finding breast cancer early reduces your risk of dying from the disease by 25-30% or more. When breast cancer is found early, it reduces your chances of having a breast removed (mastectomy).
The American Cancer Society @cancer.org recommends:
- Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.
- Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years or can continue yearly screening.
A Mammogram is a quick 20 min procedure that can save your life. During your mammogram, a technologist will help you through the x-ray process. A mammography machine, an x-ray machine that has two plastic plates, will be used for your mammogram. The upper plate is lowered to compress each breast for a few seconds while a technologist takes a picture. Most women have minimal discomfort from the procedure but if you get tender and swollen before your period try to schedule your appointment a week before. If you are worried about mammograms being safe, they give you minimum exposure to radiation (less than a standard chest x-ray).
Some women should be screened with MRIs along with mammograms if they have a family history of breast cancer. Talk with Dr. Bhatia about your risk for breast cancer and the best screening plan for you. If you have any breast changes or find a lump in your breast, please call Dr. Bhatia’s office as soon as possible so we can schedule an appointment.
For more information about mammograms, contact Dr. Neera Bhatia, your San Antonio OB/GYN today at (210) 222-2694!
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