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A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and has been considered for more than 30 years as the best way to screen for breast cancer in women without signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
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It can detect masses in the breast long before they can be felt – when they are the size of a seed versus the size of a lime. They can also detect other changes in the breast such as micro-calcifications (tiny deposits of calcium in the breast) that may indicate the presence of breast cancer.
The age at which a woman should start having mammograms and the interval between mammograms varies from country to country. In the Cayman Islands it is recommended that a woman have a mammogram at the age of 40 and then every two years or as recommended by her doctor. In addition, the Cayman Islands Cancer Society encourages women to have a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40 years.
When a woman goes for a mammogram she is asked to undress from the waist up. A breast is placed on a special plate attached to an X-ray machine and a second plate is lowered on to the breast. The breast is then compressed between these two plates. This ensures that there is little movement and a sharper image.
You may feel some discomfort during the compression phase but it usually only lasts for a few seconds. The process is repeated on the other side. Two images of each breast are taken in a screening mammogram.
Avoid scheduling your mammogram the week before your period. Your breasts are likely to be more tender at this time and will make the mammogram a more painful experience.
It is important that you tell this person of any problems you are currently having or have had in the past with your breasts. Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant and women with breast implants should inform the technician of this prior to having a mammogram.
New advances in mammography have included the introduction of digital mammography. Digital mammography is as effective as traditional mammography at detecting breast cancer in the general population of women.
It may be more effective for women who are younger than 50, who are pre or peri-menopausal or women of any age with dense breasts.
The advantages in screening women with dense breasts are especially welcome in light of studies that show that women with dense breast tissue are more likely to develop breast cancer.
Another advantage of the new system is CAD or computer-aided detection is a computer software that assisting the film reader (radiologist) in identifying abnormalities on a mammogram.
This is done by placing prompts over areas of concern alerting the radiologist to re-examine that area of the image and if necessary seek a second opinion or perform a more detailed image.
The Cayman Islands is one of less than five countries in the Caribbean that can now offer this service.
FYI
For more information on mammography contact the Cayman Islands Cancer Society at 949-7618, talk with your doctor, or attend one of the upcoming breast cancer awareness sessions organized by the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens during the month of October.
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