NAVIGATING YOUR FIRST MAMMOGRAM

WOMEN’S HEALTH

NAVIGATING YOUR

FIRST MAMMOGRAM

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Annual mammograms are recommended by The American Cancer Society beginning at age 45, and sometimes earlier depending on an individual’s personal and family medical history. On a woman’s 45th birthday, the impending doom of that first time may feel overwhelming, but in reality, the process isn’t as bad as it sounds and it’s a necessary component to screening for breast cancer.

“Trust us, we understand how nerve wracking it can be to come in for that first mammogram,” says Jamie Clays, a mammography tech for Valley MRI & Radiology. “I can tell you as a mammography tech for the last five years, I was nervous and hesitant to get my first mammogram... As much as I kept thinking how silly I was for being so nervous, especially when I tell my first-time patients daily that it won‘t be as bad as they are expecting, nothing can fully prepare you for the experience.”

Keep in mind that every woman is different. Everyone has different pain tolerances so the rumors that it’s “very painful,” may not hold up. Instead of psyching yourself out, try to go into the appointment with a level head. For many women, the process is simply uncomfortable, and even if it does hurt, it’s done in less than five minutes.

The annual mammogram is important because it’s the best way to catch the beginning stages of breast cancer. “When you get your mammogram every year, the radiologists are able to compare the prior year or years exam to the most current set of imaging,” Jamie explains. “As we get older, our breast tissue changes, and because of this, radiologists are constantly training in breast imaging to be able to identify which changes are normal and which are concerning.”

In addition to annual mammograms starting no later than age 45, women should also conduct their own monthly self-exams to look for lumps or changes. Those with a strong family history of breast cancer can do more, adding an ultrasound or MRI to the annual routine if necessary.

All in, no one is pretending a mammogram is a fun experience, but it is one that can keep you healthy and prevent serious disease. “It was a little uncomfortable, lots of pressure, but nothing was painful,” Jamie says. I think the worst part was having to hold my breath while the pictures were taken.”