What to Know About Mammograms: Q&A With an Expert
Mammograms are important. They can help you find breast cancer early, when it's most treatable. Get answers to common questions about mammograms in this 2 Your Well-Being discussion with WFMY News 2.
Is a screening mammogram the same as a diagnostic mammogram?
“There is a difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram. A screening mammogram just means that you're not aware of any new concerns or any new breast problems.”
“A diagnostic mammogram means that you have felt something new. You have noticed changes to the shape of your breast, or skin thickening. You have noticed nipple discharge. So these are all signs that you need a diagnostic mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram can also mean that the radiologist needs to see you again to further evaluate an area of concern, or an area that has changed from your latest screening mammogram.”
Who needs to have a screening mammogram and how often do they need to have it?
“We follow the same recommendations as the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology, and that's for women to start annual screenings at age 40. And sometimes it's even sooner based on a strong family history.”
What should you expect when you get a mammogram?
“When you come in for your mammogram, you can expect the mammographers to go over what's about to take place. We will explain everything to you. We're going to walk you through it.”
“Unfortunately, people have heard horror stories about a mammogram, but technology has changed. Things have come a long way. So it's a lot better than the way it used to be."
“When we are positioning you for the mammogram, it will be snug, because it's important that we have adequate compression and really spread out those breast tissue layers – we want to make sure there's nothing hiding in there. If at any point something is too painful or just unbearable, just communicate that to the technologist, because we'll walk you through it.”
If I don't have a family history of breast cancer or any symptoms, do I really need a mammogram every year?
“The majority of women who are diagnosed do not have a family history of breast cancer. So it's still really important to get that mammogram every year.”
“Whether you are experiencing breast issues or not, we still recommend that you come in and get that mammogram every year. The goal is really to catch breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. We don't want to give cancer time to grow. A mammogram can actually show early changes and early signs well before a woman actually would feel a new lump.”
Where can people go to learn more about mammography services at Cone Health?
Visit conehealth.com/mammograms.
Learn more by watching the full video interview above.
