The Truth About Mammograms: Facts to Know Beforehand

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in American women, and mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early. Despite this, there is still a lot of confusion about when and how often to get a mammogram. In this blog post, we will clear up some of the myths about mammogram breast screening services in Singapore and help you understand when it’s time to get one.

Mammogram Myths to consider

There are a lot of myths surrounding mammograms, so let’s clear some of them up.

• First and foremost, you do not need to have a family history of breast cancer to get a mammogram. In fact, most women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. 
• Mammograms are also not painful. While the compression of your breasts during the exam may be uncomfortable, it should not be painful. If you experience pain during your mammogram, tell the technologist so they can adjust the machine. 
• Another common myth is that you should not have a mammogram if you have implants. This is false! You can and should have a mammogram if you have implants. However, you may need additional images to get an accurate reading. Your radiologist will be able to advise you on this. 

When Should You Get A Mammogram? 

• The American Cancer Society recommends that women over the age of 45 get a mammogram every year.
• If you are under the age of 45 and have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, you may need to start getting annual mammograms earlier.
• Talk to your doctor about your risks and what they recommend for you. 

What Happens During A Mammogram? 

A mammogram is an X-ray of your breasts. During the exam, your breasts will be compressed between two plates in order to get clear pictures. The compression may be uncomfortable, but it is important in order to get an accurate reading. The whole exam takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. 

So,  those are the facts about mammograms! Be sure to talk to your doctor about when you should start getting annual mammograms.

Conclusion: 

Mammograms are an important tool in detecting breast cancer early, but there is still a lot of confusion surrounding them. In this blog post, we dispel some common myths about mammograms and help you understand when it’s time to get one. 

Remember, if you are over the age of 45, you should get a mammogram every year! If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.