Prevention
This week I went for a mammogram and a breast ultrasound. This is the third time I have had a mammogram and the first time for the ultrasound. There are some variations in the recommended age to begin mammograms but many doctors recommend that women get a baseline mammogram at age 40 and then every one-to-two years afterward. If there is a family history of breast cancer, which is the case for me, then they recommend that you start earlier.
Many types of small tumours can be seen on a mammogram before they can be felt by a woman or her health professional. Cancer is most easily treated and cured when it is discovered in an early stage so it is important to keep up with the testing and to do a self-examination on a monthly basis.
Getting a mammogram is usually not too painful — if it is, just advise the radiologist to back off. Sometimes they can apply too much pressure or pull the skin around the breast area — some adjustments can make you more comfortable. They also suggest not having caffeine for 2 to 3 days prior to the exam if pain is an issue for you but I can’t vouch if that helps because I love my morning coffee.
Be good and take care 
March 23rd, 2008 at 6:41 am
Mammograms are excrutiatingly painful! For me anyway. p.s. my mammogram showed nothing and I did have breast cancer…..then another time a mammogram showed I had something but I had nothing….so I certainly don’t believe in them…I do believe they may cause cancer….also, my cancer was NOT genetic but I am pretty sure it was environmental…I believe pesticides are too blame. I also was doing everything right and during that time frame I was the healthiest I have been. I am not saying to not have mammograms but that only for me they served no useful purpose.