What is a mammogram?

This article first appeared in Parys Gazette on 8 October 2020

October is breast cancer awareness month. Some of the tests and procedures used to diagnose breast cancer include a clinical breast examination by your doctor, a mammogram, a breast ultrasound, a biopsy (removing a sample of breast cells for testing), and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

 

The mammogram is one of the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the mammogram can often detect breast cancer up to three years before a lump appears in the breast.

 

What is a mammogram?

 

A mammogram is an x-ray image of the breasts that is examined by a qualified radiologist. When you go for a mammogram, your breasts will be compressed between two surfaces to disperse the breast tissue. Most women find this procedure uncomfortable, and some reported that it was even painful. From experience, I can say it was awkward but I did not experience any pain during the procedure.

 

Do breast implants interfere with mammograms?

 

According to doctor Sandhya Pruthi at the Mayo Clinic in the United States of America, breast implants can cloud mammogram images. "Still, studies show that mammograms are an effective way to screen for breast cancer in women with breast implants," she says. "There is also a slight risk that your breast implants may rupture during a mammogram. But the benefits of mammography in the early detection of breast cancer outweigh this risk."

 

Three things you need to know

 

Before you head out to the radiologist to have your mammogram done, remember the following three things:

 

Try not to book your mammogram in the week before you get your period because your breasts may be tender and swollen.

Do not wear deodorant, perfume, or powder because it can show up as white spots on the x-ray image.

You will need to undress from the waist up, so it is best to wear a skirt or pants with a top on the day of your mammogram.

 

Where can you go for your mammogram?

 

There is not a mammogram facility in Parys. Ask your general practitioner (house doctor) to refer you to a radiologist in Potchefstroom or Vereeniging. Remember that your medical aid or hospital plan will pay for a screening mammogram every second year. If you have a high risk for breast cancer, your medical aid or hospital plan may pay for a screening mammogram every year. 

 

You can also have a mammogram done at the following public hospitals: Universitas in Bloemfontein, or Charlotte Maxeke and Helen Joseph in Johannesburg. 

 

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) also offer screening during October at various care centres. To find out more contact the CANSA Vaal Triangle Virtual Care Centre on 083 672 7360 (Olivia Curlewis).

 

The Pink Drive is another organisation that has mobile breast clinics across the country. For more information, contact Nelius du Preez at 011 998 8022.