Breast Screening Center
Of Western New York
Mammograms
About Mammograms:
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In America, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes, according to the American Cancer Society.
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But these diagnoses can be caught early by getting a regularly scheduled mammogram.
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A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. Mammograms allow doctors to look for early signs of breast cancer, and can often lead to detection before being felt in a home inspection.
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While mammograms aren't perfect, their use has lead to a decrease in breast cancer-related deaths in women 40-70 years in age.
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If a mammogram comes back as abnormal more tests can be run to confirm its findings.
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A mammogram can be 2D or 3D. A 3D mammography takes more pictures of the breast that provides several images in "slice" like pictures to show different angles of the breast.
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What A Mammogram Feels like:
A mammogram takes x-ray images by pressing the breast against and in between to plates.
This means there may be momentary discomfort. This discomfort is only momentary as the images are taken quickly. The level of discomfort depends on breast sensitivity and the skill of the technologist taking the images.
Other factors such as breast size and the amount of pressure needed to ensure a clear picture may play a part in the discomfort.
ABOUT YOUR VISIT
Preparation for your appointment
In order to prepare for your appointment:
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Ensure Your skin is clean. Please do not use any deodorant, perfume, powder or ointment in your underarm area or on your breasts, as the residues can cause misleading results.
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Avoid caffeine for at least 24 hours. Caffeine increases fluid retention in your breasts, making your breasts more tender and lumpy. Caffeine is contained in coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate, and some medicines.
For your convenience, wear a two-piece outfit such as a blouse with a skirt or slacks. It is necessary to undress to the wait for the examination
Please allow 1/2 to 1 hour for your examination.
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