You might already know that mammograms have reduced the occurrence of breast cancer deaths by 40% over the past three decades. You might also have heard that early detection is the best way to avoid extensive treatments for advanced cancer. You may have read all the statistics about mammograms and still not feel like the information applies to you. Especially if you’re young, and have no family history of breast cancer, you may be asking, “Why do I need a mammogram?” The truth is, every woman needs regular mammograms, for a number of reasons.

• Did you know that most women diagnosed with breast cancer aren’t considered high risk? It’s true: 75 percent of women with breast cancer don’t even have a family history of the disease. Even if you’re not high risk, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Aren’t regular breast self-exams enough? In fact, even though examining your breasts regularly can detect some lumps, a mammogram can detect problems up to two years earlier than you or your doctor can. The recommended course of action is to have both a physical breast health exam in combination with an annual mammogram.
• Breast cancer is more common than you may think. One in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. That’s a 12 percent risk, and the risk goes up as you age. While the risk for a woman in her twenties is only 1 in 1,667, it jumps to 1 in 68 by the time she’s in her forties. It’s recommended for women to have a mammogram every two years after age 40.
• Having regular mammograms gives you peace of mind. Out of every 1,000 women who have a mammogram for screening purposes, 100 are called back in for more mammography or an ultrasound. 20 are recommended for a needle biopsy, and 5 are diagnosed with breast cancer. In other words, the vast majority get the all clear. When you have a mammogram, you know you’ve taken charge of your health, and you can breathe easier because you have more complete information.

Now that you know all the reasons you need a mammogram, it’s time to decide where to go to get one. At Salem Radiology Consultants, we offer diagnostic, screening, or 3D mammograms, and we’re committed to providing you with the highest quality of care. A premier outpatient imaging center, Salem Radiology Consultants, or SRC, has been serving Salem and the greater Willamette Valley since 1973. We are the largest radiology group in the area, and our doctors provide a depth of specialization you’d expect to find only at major university medical centers. Call us today at (503) 399-1262 to schedule an appointment.

Getting a mammogram for the first time can be a bit intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect. You may have heard that it’s painful, or you may concerned about exposing yourself to radiation. On the other hand, you may not even know if you need a mammogram at all! Not to worry, we have all the answers you need, for your most frequently asked questions about mammograms.

• What is a mammogram? A mammogram is a type of breast exam that uses noninvasive x-ray technology for the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases.
• Why have a mammogram? A mammogram can detect lumps in the breast up to two years before they can be felt by a woman or her doctor. Because mammograms allow for early detection, they give doctors the opportunity to treat cancer before it advances to a point that requires extensive treatment.
• How early should I start getting mammograms? This depends on who you ask. Some organizations, like the American College of Radiology, recommend mammograms annually starting at age 40. The American Cancer Society, on the other hand, recommends annual mammograms beginning at age 45. The best way to decide is to talk to your doctor, assess your risk, and determine the age that’s right for you.
• Does the radiation from a mammogram pose a risk to my health? There is always some risk with radiation, but the amount of radiation from a mammogram is very minimal. In fact, a woman is likely to be exposed to as much radiation in the course of seven weeks of normal life as she is during a mammogram.
• How should I prepare for a mammogram? Avoid scheduling your mammogram the week before your period, when your breasts may be tender or swollen. Don’t wear deodorant, lotion, or powder under your arms on the day of your mammogram. You should wear a top and skirt or pants to your appointment rather than a dress, because you’ll be asked to remove your top.
• What’s involved in a mammogram? During a mammogram, the technician will position your breast in a specialized machine that’s designed to look specifically at breast tissue. This machine has two plates that compress the breast, spreading the dense breast tissue to allow for a better picture, using lower radiation. The x-ray moves in an arc over the breast, capturing images from multiple angles, in order to get a complete picture of the breast tissue.
• What does a mammogram feel like? It’s not comfortable to have your breast compressed, but for most women, it’s not painful. If it is painful, tell your technician.
• How long does a mammogram take? The entire process only takes about 20-30 minutes. The breast compression? It only lasts a few seconds per breast.
• What happens if my mammogram is abnormal? Take a breath: an abnormal mammogram does not necessarily mean cancer. It’s likely that your radiologist will want you to come back for further testing, to determine the cause of the anomaly.
• What if my results are normal? Congratulations! Now, continue to get regular screenings. Mammograms work best when your radiologist has more than one to compare. Comparing mammograms is a good way to detect changes in your breasts.
• Where should I go to get a mammogram? It’s best to go to the same facility every time you have a mammogram, so that it’s easier for the doctor to compare your results over time.

For diagnostic, screening, or 3D mammograms, trust Salem Radiology Consultants to provide you with the highest quality of care. A premier outpatient imaging center, Salem Radiology Consultants, or SRC, has been serving Salem and the greater Willamette Valley since 1973. We are the largest radiology group in the area, and our doctors provide a depth of specialization you’d expect to find only at major university medical centers. Call us today at (503) 399-1262 to schedule an appointment.

You’ve seen the pink products and the breast cancer awareness ribbons, and there are probably posters and flyers all over your doctor’s office urging you to get a mammogram. What’s the big deal? Why, out of all the tests and medical procedures that are performed every day, does this one get so much attention? As it happens, there are some really good reasons.

• Over the past three decades, mammograms have sharply reduced breast cancer mortality. According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer deaths have dropped almost 40% since 1990, because of regular mammography screening. This amounts to over 274,000 lives that have been saved.
• Annual mammograms result in early detection. A mammogram can show changes in the breast two years earlier than a patient or her doctor can feel them. That’s important, because cancer is most treatable when it’s detected early, and catching it early means the treatment doesn’t need to be as extensive, and the chances of breast conservation are improved.
• Mammograms are safe but effective. It’s true that mammograms expose the breasts to a little bit of radiation. However, modern mammogram machines only expose women to an amount of radiation similar to what she’d be exposed to in her natural environment, over the course of about seven weeks.
• For a non-invasive procedure, mammograms yield remarkable results. There’s no blood drawn, just compression of the breasts. The entire process takes about twenty minutes and is uncomfortable, but not really painful. Considering the effectiveness of the test, it’s worth a few minutes of discomfort.

Who should get a mammogram? Current recommendations by American College of Radiology and the Society for Breast Imaging state that women should start getting mammograms annually beginning at age 40. Talk to your doctor to determine your own risk, and make a plan for when and how often you should be getting a mammogram.

For diagnostic, screening, or 3D mammograms, trust Salem Radiology Consultants to provide you with the highest quality of care. A premier outpatient imaging center, Salem Radiology Consultants, or SRC, has been serving Salem and the greater Willamette Valley since 1973. We are the largest radiology group in the area, and our doctors provide a depth of specialization you’d expect to find only at major university medical centers. Call us today at (503) 399-1262 to schedule an appointment.