3 minute read
Wellness
You Got a Call Back on Your Routine Mammogram. Now What?
By Jarett Bies, Avera Health
“ We found an abnormality on your mammogram,” the voice on the phone said. “You’ll need to come back for more screening.” If you get a call like this, you may feel your stomach sink and your pulse race, no matter how many routine mammograms you’ve had. If you hear that something “abnormal” was found – it can feel scary.
Tips for When You’re Called Back After a Mammogram
Anyone can imagine worst-case scenarios. Panicking won’t help, regardless of the results. Instead try these steps if you get that call:
• Do not overreact. You’ll soon get more information; right now you don’t know anything for sure.
• Remember about 10% of all patients who get mammograms get called back. It happens more often with patients’ first mammograms, too.
• American Cancer Society studies show that less than 1 in 10 patients called back actually have cancer. So 90% of the time, the radiologist reading your image simply needs to see a specific area of your breast in a different way.
• Turn to your partner, spouse or a friend. You might need help processing the facts and understanding that the call-back alone is nothing to worry about. Talk it out.
• Ask your health care provider as many questions as possible – they are here to help you.
Remember that treatment has come a long way, and breast cancer is very survivable, especially when caught in the early stages. Millions of women living today are breast cancer survivors.
Rather than worrying, take action and do the one thing that’s within your control: schedule your follow-up. Once you have, let your mind be at peace; for now, you’ve done all you can.
You can also call the Avera Cancer Institute Navigation Center at 888-422-1410. The navigators often take calls from patients who have received call-backs on screening mammograms.
The Follow-up Breast Cancer Screening
In most cases, the professional calling you back is from your provider’s office, and their team can help you set your next appointment. If they don’t set it up, ask what number to call.
The follow-up will likely include a diagnostic mammogram that will capture new images focused on any specific areas of concern identified in your screening mammogram.
Patients report that this procedure can be more uncomfortable, but not painful, while the mammography technologist uses compression to acquire more focused images.
You also may see an ultrasound technologist who will gather more images. Once the team gathers all the images, a radiologist reads them. The radiologist may meet with you to discuss the results and answer questions at the same visit.
In some cases, a biopsy, MRI or contrast enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) is used for additional testing. Each can help radiologists get the best possible images and information. CESM is found to be helpful for women who have dense breast tissue.
When You’re Waiting for Results
Mammography teams aim to get you information quickly. In some cases, you may depart with the knowledge of what was seen and what’s next. In other situations, there may be a delay between the call-back exam and results.
Make sure to share any questions or concerns. If you’re unsure, ask the mammography staff when you’ll get your results and how they’ll contact you.
If you’re age 40 or older, an annual mammogram is recommended. So if it’s time to schedule yours, make the call.
Don’t deny yourself something that could save your life. n
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