Written By: Sameer Jha | Updated : February 23, 2015 6:19 PM IST
Breast cancer is a serious disease that often goes undetected due to lack of awareness. Even though, exercising and healthy eating can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, the disease is not preventable. The key is to detect it early. One of the leading methods to diagnose breast cancer is called a mammogram. In this post, we'll tell you all you need to know about the procedure.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a diagnostic tool used to detect breast cancer. A low-energy X-ray of the breast is taken to produce an image of the inner breast tissue. This image can indicate cysts, tumours and calcifications that could have formed inside the breast, and is useful in detecting breast cancer. (Read: Breast cancer: Top 10 myths busted)
How is a mammogram done?
The following steps are taken while performing mammography:
Once, the pictures are taken they are analysed by a radiologist.
What your results could mean:
Your results, whether normal or abnormal do not complete exclude or include breast cancer. If a lump is detected there are a number of things it could mean. Right from a benign tumour/growth to blocked milk ducts and in some cases cancer. So do not panic. Let your doctor decide on the nuances of the report.
Your doctor will examine you and might suggest a biopsy to help conclusively diagnose the disease.
Who should get it done and how often?
Women who notice symptoms like a lump or a knot in the breast should get a mammogram done immediately. But as a precautionary measure, every woman above the age of 40 should get it done on a yearly basis (according to American Cancer Society).
Who shouldn't get it done?
Pregnant women are not advised to have a mammography, as the radiation can affect the foetus and cause developmental problems in the baby. (Read: Women still believe breast cancer myths!)
According to Dr Sumeet Shah, breast cancer is treatable when caught early. Therefore it is suggested that all women above the age of 20 should do a regular breast self exam every month.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
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