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Mammography
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What is A Mammogram?
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A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast. It is one of the best ways
to find breast cancer. Mammograms are performed using a special X-ray machine. A
mammogram is used to find changes in the breasts. The x-ray is done by a technician.
Mammograms don't prevent cancer, but they can help find lumps which are too small
to feel. A mammogram is one of the best tools for early detection of breast cancer.
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Who Should Get A Mammogram?
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Woman over 40 should ask their doctor about having a mammogram. Depending on risks,
some women should have a mammogram every year. Women with lower risk may get a mammogram
every other year. Early detection and treatment have lowered breast cancer deaths.
Mammograms are an important part of early detection. With a mammogram, breast cancer
can be found nearly 1-3 years before you might feel a lump.
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The American Cancer Society recommends:
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• Mammograms from age 40 (every 1-2 years)
• Yearly breast exams by a doctor
• Regular self breast exams
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Why Are Mammograms Important?
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A mammogram can save your life. Mammograms can find breast cancer at an early stage.
Mammograms can find lumps before you can feel them. Treating breast cancer earlier
gives women a better chance for survival. With regular mammograms, breast cancer
may be found early when the chances for cure are best.
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How are mammograms done?
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A mammogram is quick and easy. You will stand in front of an x-ray machine. Undress
from the waist up. Special x-ray plates are used to take the mammogram. The x-ray
plates press against your breasts; this helps the x-rays to be clear. Two x- rays
are taken of each breast. The x-rays may be a little uncomfortable. It will only
take a few minutes for each one. X-ray images on a mammogram are black, gray and
white. The mammogram is sent to a radiologist to be read.
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On the day of the mammogram:
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1. Don't wear perfume, lotion or deodorant
2. Wear a two piece outfit, so you can undress from the waist up
3. Don't wear jewelry
4. You can take over the counter pain medicine to help ease discomfort
5. If you have had mammogram before, bring the x-rays with you
6. Limit coffee or tea for a few days before your mammogram
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Where to get a Mammogram
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Mammograms should be done at an in network center. Your primary care doctor can
give you names of mammography centers near you. You can also contact UHC's member
services at 866-690-4842
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Mammogram results
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A mammogram is read by a radiologist. The results of a mammogram are given in a
written report. The mammography facility will send the report to you and your doctor.
A mammogram report includes:
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• Finding: What was found by the mammogram
• Impressions: An evaluation by the radiologist
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If you don't get your results in 30 days, call your doctor or the mammogram facility.
If you do not understand your results, call your doctor.
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Know Your Risks
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A women's risk of breast cancer increases as she gets older. The risk of breast
cancer is not the same for everyone. Talk to your doctor about your risks. Tell
your doctor if you have a family history of breast cancer. Learn about breast cancer.
There is no way to prevent breast cancer.
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Some women can reduce their risks of cancer by changes in lifestyle:
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• Regular mammograms
• Exercise
• Eat a healthy diet
• Keep a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol use
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Taking care of your health now, could mean you are there for your family later!
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DISCLAIMER: The Information on this site is not intended to take the place
of your doctor or other healthcare professionals. It is a resource to help you make
the best decisions and get the most from the medical services available to you.
A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of all medical
conditions.
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