Breast_Cancer_Early_Detection.pdf

Detección_temprana_y_diagnóstico.pdf

• If you are visiting FoundCare for the first time, bring a list of the places and dates of mammograms, biopsies, or any other breast procedures you’ve had before.
• If you’ve had mammograms at another health center, try to get those records to bring with you (or have them sent to FoundCare) so the old pictures can be compared to the new ones. 
• Schedule your mammogram for when your breasts aren't likely to be tender or swollen, to help reduce discomfort and get good pictures. Try to avoid the week just before your period.
• On the day of the exam, don’t apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powders, lotions, creams, or perfumes under your arms, or on or under your breasts. Some of these contain substances that can show up on the x-ray as white spots. If you’re not going home after your exam, you might want to take your deodorant or antiperspirant with you to put on after your exam.
• Wear a skirt or pants so that you will only need to remove your top and bra for the mammogram. 
• Discuss any recent changes or problems in your breasts with your healthcare provider before getting the mammogram. 
• Make sure your provider is aware of any part of your medical history that could affect your breast cancer risk—such as surgery, hormone use, breast cancer in your family, or if you’ve had breast cancer before.

To help ensure you have a good quality mammogram, make sure your technologist knows:

• About any breast changes or problems you’re having
• If you have breast implants
• If you have trouble standing and holding still alone (without the aid of a cane or walker)
• If you’re breastfeeding or if you think you might be pregnant.

Tell the technologist right away if you start feeling lightheaded or dizzy during the mammogram.

• You’ll have to undress above the waist to get a mammogram. You will receive a wrap to wear.
• You and the technologist will be the only ones in the room during the mammogram.
• To get a high-quality picture, your breast must be flattened or compressed. You'll stand in front of the machine, and the technologist will place your breast on the machine. The plastic upper plate is then lowered to compress your breast for about 10 to 15 seconds while the technologist takes an x-ray. You will then need to change position so your breast is compressed from side to side before the next x-ray is taken.
• If you're getting a 3D mammogram (also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, or DBT), the procedure is the same as above, but you'll notice that the machine will move in a small arc, either over the top of your breast or along the side of your breast, for each image. You might be asked to hold your breath each time it's being done.  
• The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes. The actual breast compression only lasts about 10 to 15 seconds for each image. 
• You might feel some discomfort when your breasts are compressed, and for some women, it can be painful. Tell the technologist if it hurts so they can try to adjust the compression to your comfort.
• Two views of each breast are taken for a screening mammogram. But for some women, such as those with breast implants or larger breasts, more pictures may be needed.

A diagnostic mammogram is often done if a woman has breast symptoms or if something unusual is seen on a screening mammogram. Depending on the findings, a breast ultrasound may also be done to look at the area of concern.