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TYPES OF
SCREENING TESTS ♦
SCREENING TESTS FOR
WOMEN
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♦
BREAST
SELF-EXAMINATION ♦
MAMMOGRAPHY
[ MAMMOGRAPHY ]
Finding the disease
early with mammograms and
breast exams by your doctor or nurse can save your life!
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray picture of the breast. A mammogram,
along with a breast exam by your doctor or nurse can find breast
cancer at an early stage when it can best be treated. A mammogram
does not cause cancer. Because the amount of radiation used is very
low, the risk of any harm is extremely small.
What happens during a mammogram?
A mammogram is a simple test. When you go for a mammogram, the
technician taking the picture will place your breast between two
X-ray panels. The panels will push your breast between them to get a
clear picture. You may feel a little bit of discomfort, but each
X-ray taken less than 1 minute.
Who should get one?
Women in their 40s and older should get a mammogram every 1 to 2
years. A woman’s chance of getting breast cancer is greater as she
ages.
Why should I have one?
Mammograms can save your life by finding breast cancer early. A
mammogram can show cancer that is too small for you or your doctor
to feel. When breast cancer is found early, you have more treatment
options.
How will I pay?
If you have Medicare and are aged 40 or older, Medicare pays for
most of the cost of a screening mammogram every 12 months. If
needed, Medicare will pay for a diagnostic mammogram at any time.
There may also be low and no-cost screening programs where you live.
How do I get a mammogram?
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Ask your doctor
today about a referral.
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Check with your
insurance plan about costs and co-payments.
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Make an
appointment with a mammography center approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Your doctor or nurse can
help you find one.
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When you go for
your mammogram, do not wear lotions, powders, perfumes, or
deodorant. They can cause shadows on the X-ray picture.
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Follow up with
your doctor to get the results. |
Source: Do It for Yourself; Do It
for Your Family, National Cancer Institute.
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