Do Something Good for Yourself-Have a Mammogram!
By Janice Parish, Senior Radiographer, MCG Breast Health
Services

Augusta, Ga. -- Despite recent controversies regarding the effectiveness of mammograms, experts remain convinced that a mammogram, combined with a clinical breast examination, remains the best route for early detection of breast cancer.

And while many women may regard the procedure with some trepidation, it's important for them to understand that they're doing something good for themselves by having a mammogram.

Many facilities, such as the newly renovated mammography area of MCG Breast Health Services, take this idea even further by offering a soothing, comfortable environment for women, incorporating high-quality care with an emphasis on extra privacy, comfort and breast health education.

To help women understand what to expect from a mammogram, MCG Health System offers the following guidelines on breast cancer screenings:

What is a mammogram? Simply put, a mammogram is an X-ray of breast tissue. Women getting regular mammograms commonly receive a screening mammogram, which consists of four images, two of each breast. If an abnormality is found in the screening mammogram, or if a woman presents with unusual breast changes such as a lump, pain, thickening, nipple discharge or change in breast size or shape, a diagnostic or full mammogram is utilized, which also consists of four images and might also include spot compression, magnification views or an ultrasound.

At MCG Health System, the diagnostic films are interpreted by a radiologist while the patient is waiting, while results from screening mammograms are available later the same day. If anything suspicious is found, a biopsy (the removal of a sample of tissue or fluid to be analyzed for cancer cells) may also be performed at a later date.

What's it like to get a mammogram? Health care professionals will ask patients if they have experienced any unusual symptoms, then explain the procedure. Patients are then asked to undress from the waist up (it's a good idea to wear a two-piece outfit on the day of your appointment). A specially trained technologist will assist the patient in placing her breast upon a plastic plate. A second piece of plastic is placed on top of the breast and some pressure is applied to compress the breast in order to get a clear picture. There will be some minor discomfort, but the entire mammogram usually takes only 20 minutes. Afterwards, a radiologist will review the images and report the results.

What are the current screening guidelines? Beginning at age 20, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends a clinical breast exam every three years. MCG Health System continues to recommend that women 20 and older also conduct a monthly breast self exam. A woman who perform these exams may be more likely to notice a change in her breast than someone who does not.

For those ages 40 and older, the American Cancer Society recommends an annual mammogram plus clinical breast exam. This is also a good recommendation for those at any age who are at increased risk due to family history or other factor.

Why should I get a mammogram? It's important to get a mammogram because:
· Finding breast cancer early can save your life.
· Your risk of breast cancer increases as you get older. About 75
percent of all breast cancers occur in women over 50.
· Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family
history of it.
· Early detection often means less surgery.
· Getting a mammogram is easier than you think.
· Having an annual mammogram helps give you peace of mind.

For more information on breast health and breast cancer, please visit www.mcghealth.org.

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.mcghealth.org.