Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Mammogram

Have you ever heard of mammograms? What comes to mind? Is mammogram only for old ladies? How much does it cost, and where can you get it? Find out everything you need to know about mammograms in this article.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is part of breast cancer screening. It is an x-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer at the earliest stage when it is most treatable. Mammograms can also find benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast. Although breast cancer is most common in women, men can get breast cancer too. Breast cancer incidence rates are higher in developed countries than in developing countries. According to the world health organization, 1 in 8 women worldwide will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

What is breast cancer screening?

Breast cancer screening means checking a woman’s breasts for cancer before there are any signs or symptoms of the disease. Besides mammograms, early breast cancer screening may include a clinical breast examination and other breast imaging such as breast ultrasound.

There are two types of mammograms: screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms.​

1. Screening mammograms are used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease.
   
2. Diagnostic mammograms are used to check for breast cancer in women who have signs or symptoms of the disease. This type of mammogram is used to find the cause of these signs and symptoms.
   

Who needs a mammogram screening?

The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer should get a mammogram every year starting at age 45. Women aged 40 to 44 should have the choice to start yearly mammograms.

High-risk women may need to get mammograms more often or start getting them earlier.

Below are the risk factors for breast cancer:​

• Ageing – the risk for breast cancer goes up as you age
  
• Family history of breast cancer – women with a mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast cancer have a higher risk
  
• Genetic mutations – mutations in certain genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) can greatly increase your risk for breast cancer
  
• Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast conditions – women who have had breast cancer in one breast have a higher risk of getting it in the other breast; also, having certain non-cancerous breast conditions can increase your risk
  
• Individuals who use hormone replacement therapy also have a higher risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
  
• Early menarche - beginning of period at a younger age: less than 12 years old
  
• Late menopause - women who began menopause at an older age have a higher chance to develop breast cancer
  

Some people get mammograms to investigate the changes in their breast tissue such as the presence of lumps, skin or nipple changes.

Here are the symptoms that you may need to be aware of:​

• A lump or lumps in the breast
  
• Change in size or shape of the breast
  
• Nipple discharge
  
• Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
  
• Pain in the breast that is not related to your menstrual cycle
  

Hence, frequent breast self-examination as one of breast screening is recommended by the Ministry of Health. This is to make sure every woman is aware of their breast changes and can have them examined and treated early if anything abnormal is detected.

What do I need to prepare before the mammogram?

You don't need to do anything special to prepare for a mammogram. You may want to schedule your mammogram for a week after your period. Your breasts will be less tender then. Also, try not to wear deodorant, lotion, or powder during the procedure.

You will need to take off your clothes and wear specific clothes provided by the facilities to assist with the imaging. Therefore, it will be helpful if you wear loose and comfortable clothes so it is easy to change in and out of them.

What happens during a mammogram?

A mammogram usually takes about 15 minutes. First, you will be asked to undress from the waist up. You will then be given a gown to wear.

Next, you will stand in front of an X-ray machine. Your breasts will be placed on a platform and compressed (flattened) with a clear plastic plate. One breast at a time. The compression helps to get clear pictures of the breast tissue and abnormalities, if any. It may be uncomfortable, but it only lasts a few seconds. You will feel pressure on your breasts, but it should not be painful.

After the mammogram, you will be asked to wait while the technologist checks the pictures. If more pictures are needed, you will be asked to have another mammogram.

How long does it take to get the results?

The mammogram images will be read by a radiologist. The radiologist will send a report to your doctor and your doctor will discuss the results with you. It usually takes 1-2 weeks to get the mammogram results back from the doctor.

What does the result of a mammogram tell?

A mammogram can show if you have breast cancer. The test can also find lumps, calcium deposits, and other changes in the breast tissue. These changes may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A biopsy is needed to know for sure if the change is cancer.

If you have any concerns about your mammogram results, call your doctor.

Don't delay a mammogram because you are worried about the results. Mammograms save lives by finding breast cancer early.

What if I have an abnormal mammogram?

If you have an abnormal mammogram, you may need more tests for further investigation. These tests can help find out if you have breast cancer.

You may need to have more mammograms. You may also need an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or biopsy.

A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if you have cancer.

If you have breast cancer, starting treatment immediately is essential. Breast cancer that is detected early has better chances of successful treatment.

What is the treatment for breast cancer?

The treatment for breast cancer depends on the type of cancer, the stage of cancer, your age, and your health. The most common treatments are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to treat diseases.

You may want to talk with your doctor about taking part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are an important option for people with all types of cancer.

You and your doctor will decide which treatment is best for you.

Is mammogram safe?

Mammograms are very safe. The small amount of radiation you get during the test is low. It's much lower than the amount you get from other tests, such as a CT scan.

However, you shouldn't get a mammogram if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

If you are pregnant, tell the mammography technologist before the test. You may be able to wait until after your baby is born to have the mammogram. A different test such as an ultrasound scan will be used if you need your breast to be examined during your pregnancy.

Recovery time for mammograms

Mammograms don't usually require a lot of recovery time. You may feel some discomfort after the mammogram, but it will go away quickly. Most women can go back to their normal routine right after the mammogram.

How often should you get a mammogram?

Mammograms are usually done every 1 to 2 years depending on age and risk. You and your doctor may decide to have them more often if you're at high risk for breast cancer.

How much does a mammogram cost in Malaysia?

The cost of a mammogram in Malaysia costs are depending on the provider. In private facilities, the price may range from RM120 - RM250 or more.

However, there are subsidized mammogram screening programs and free screenings such as the one provided by the National Cancer Society Malaysia under their Free Community Outreach Programme for Malaysian women from underprivileged communities.

Where can I get my mammogram in Malaysia?

Many private and government hospitals offer screening facilities. One of them is mammogram services. Book an appointment for a mammogram screening at DoctorOnCall so we can help you arrange your test at your nearest facilities. Early detection saves lives.