Not so bad: Technologist explains mammograms

They might enter the clinic in fear. But after a mammogram by Leann McMullen, women often say, "Oh, that wasn't so bad."

"Many patients come in fearful because they've heard horror stories about mammograms from their friends," says McMullen. "But it shouldn't be a horrible experience. It is very important to listen to patients and help them feel at ease."

That's what the radiology coordinator and her colleagues try to do as they perform about 340 screening mammograms a month at Allina Medical Clinic-Coon Rapids.

Catching cancer early

A screening mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast in a woman with no breast complaints. It's meant to find cancer when it is too small to be felt by the woman or her doctor. Such early detection improves one's ability to overcome breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer).

A screening mammogram usually involves four views: a front and a side of each breast. For each view, the breast is squeezed between two plates to spread the tissue apart and allow a low dose of radiation.

"There is a moment of discomfort. It is tight, but then it's done. The total amount of compression time is 40 to 50 seconds for all four views," says McMullen, who personally receives a mammogram each year.

Successful mammograms

McMullen gives these tips for successful mammograms:

Some women's breasts are extra sensitive or tender during their periods. If that includes you, try to schedule your mammogram seven to 10 days after your last period. It will make the procedure more comfortable.
Wear a two-piece outfit. You will have to remove your clothes from the waist up and put on a hospital gown.
Do not wear deodorant. Many deodorants have metal flakes that might look like cancer on a mammogram reading. For the same reason avoid powders, lotions and make up with sparkles.
Do not wear powder. It can make the breast slippery and difficult to place in the mammography machine.
Know your family history of breast cancer and be ready to discuss it with the technician.
Let them know if you take birth control pills, estrogen or thyroid medication. These hormones can change how your breast tissue looks on a mammogram.
Expect your results in about a week, after being read by a radiologist who specializes in mammograms. "Patients push me for an answer," says McMullen. "But I tell them that these radiologists have 12 more years of education than I do."
Keep track of where you've had mammograms. The ability to compare mammograms from year to year helps radiologists find changes that may indicate breast cancer. If you had your last mammogram at another place, bring that location's address and/or phone number with you. Then your current clinic can get your previous mammogram films and compare them to your current ones.

Start at 40?

Many experts say that all women should have annual mammograms once they turn 40. Others say you might be able to wait until 50. Talk to your doctor about which schedule to follow.

American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology recommendations

At 40 and older, have a screening mammogram every year.
At 70 and older, confirm with your doctor how often to schedule a mammogram.

Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement recommendations

At 40 to 49, ask your doctor how often you should have a screening mammogram.
At 50 to 75, have a mammogram every year or every other year.
At 75 and older, only have a mammogram if you and your doctor agree it's needed.