Any type of screening that concerns the body can be unnerving, especially if you are clueless about the entire procedure. This anxiety build up is usually a cause for many to shrug off tests, only to find out later that a disease has gone undetected and gotten worse.
Women may find mammogram screening intimidating, but this test can detect early breast cancer symptoms and increase one’s chance of survival. The key to overcoming medical screening related anxiety is to know how to best prepare for your test. For mammogram screening in Singapore, this article tells all.
What is Mammogram?
A mammogram is a breast examination that uses a low-dose X-ray device. It is a significant tool for diagnosing and screening breast cancer. It is conducted to check for breast disease symptoms, such as abnormal nipple discharges, changes in the breast’s skin, lumps, or pain. It is also recommended for women who do not exhibit any symptoms to check on the breasts’ overall health.
There are two types of mammograms:
- Diagnostic mammogram
- Screening mammogram
A diagnostic mammogram is done to diagnose atypical changes in the breasts, while a screening mammogram is performed to determine any breast changes in women who are without signs of breast cancer and for the early detection of this disease.
Is a mammogram screening painful?
One word that is commonly associated with mammogram screening is pain. It is true that you may feel a slight pain or discomfort during a mammogram as the test involves getting your breast squeezed in between two metal plates. However, the gravity of pain or discomfort varies between individuals and may be influenced by some factors like:
- The breasts’ density and size.
- The level of compression required for your breasts.
- The mammographer’s skill in performing the X-ray.
- The time of the month when you are undergoing the mammogram as this can affect the sensitivity and tenderness of your breasts, especially when you are about to have or are having your period.
- Your capacity to feel at ease and adjust your position to produce high-quality images in one go.
What happens during a mammogram screening?
A mammographer or a radiology technologist handles a mammogram. These healthcare providers are trained on how to safely operate an X-ray equipment specifically designed for carrying out mammogram tests.
A mammogram X-ray machine is used to screen the breasts. This equipment has three key components:
- A breast compression paddle
- An image generator
- An X-ray generator
During a mammogram exam, you will be asked to undress and use a drape or hospital gown. Your mammographer will then instruct you to place your breast on the base support of the breast compression plate. After this, the mammographer squeezes your breast with the compression plate paddle. Expect to feel pressure and some slight discomfort as your breast is compressed, but do not hesitate to let your mammographer know in case you can no longer bear it.
As your breast is compressed, the breast tissue is spread out allowing the mammogram machine to emit X-rays that go through your breast to a detector on the opposite side to capture its image. You will be asked to hold your breath and not to make any unnecessary movement while the machine produces the X-rays.
Once the procedure is done on both breasts, you may be asked to stay for a while as your healthcare provider checks on the quality of the X-ray images. A mammogram retake may be done in case there are technical concerns over the output of the images. If there are no issues, the images are sent to a board-certified radiologist who specialises in mammography to assess and interpret the results. The results of your mammogram are sent back to your doctor who will explain it to you during your follow-up consultation.
A mammogram screening is usually completed in under an hour and there is no downtime needed after it is done.
What can a normal and an abnormal mammogram tell?
After undergoing evaluation, a mammogram result may either be interpreted as a normal or abnormal mammogram.
A normal mammogram means that the breast images did not show any suspicious parts and there are no symptoms of breast disease detected. An abnormal mammogram catches specific signs of breast diseases as well as changes in the condition or appearance of the tissues in some areas of the breast. When this occurs, additional tests like a breast biopsy or ultrasound is usually recommended.
How can I best prepare for a mammogram screening in Singapore?
Knowing about the details of a mammogram screening and preparing for it can greatly help lessen your anxiety. Here are some tips on how you can prepare to schedule your appointment:
- Avoid scheduling your mammogram a week prior to or on the week of your menstruation. The breasts are usually tender during these times and the discomfort felt while undergoing a mammogram can be more painful and intolerable.
- Inform your doctor if you have recently been vaccinated as this can cause needless concern when the results show swollen lymph nodes, which may be due to the vaccination.
- Let your doctor know if you think you may be or are pregnant and/or breastfeeding. X-ray procedures are not recommended during these instances as they can be harmful to you and your baby. There are other procedures that can be done instead of a mammogram, like a breast ultrasound.
- Tell your doctor if you have breast implants as these can affect the results of your mammogram.
When preparing on the day of your mammogram screening, do the following:
- Go about your normal daily routines. There is no need for you to fast or limit any food or drink intake prior to your mammogram screening.
- Skip wearing any fragrances or skincare product on your body, such as body powders, creams, deodorant, perfume, or lotions as this may affect the results of your X-ray.
- Wear comfortable clothes, preferably a top that is easy to take off as you will be asked to undress from the waist up when performing the procedure.
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The Health Advisory Clinic
One Raffles Place, #04-49
1 Raffles Place, Singapore
048616
Tel: (+65) 6226 6442
Whatsapp: (+65) 9886 6442
