As mentioned throughout the course of our Breast Cancer Awareness Week we aren’t medical professionals and want to take the opportunity to use our platform to advocate and shine a light onto different areas of breast cancer and the ways it can affect people.
One of those areas being mammograms. Breast screening is something all women will be invited for from the age of 50. Within this blog we want to offer you some tips in ways to make your experience smoother and more comfortable, whether your first mammogram is one week away or two years away, we want to offer an insight as to what to expect and how to minimise those nerves.
Managing Mammogram Nerves:
The NHS will automatically invite you for your first mammogram between the ages 50 and 53. Then this invitation will reoccur every 3 years until the age of 71. If you are over 71 you will no longer be automatically invited for a breast screening but are still welcome to have a breast cancer screening every 3 years through booking.
The idea of going for a mammogram can be daunting as you might not necessarily know what to expect. For some women, a question over who will be conducting the screening may be an early concern, the mammograms are done by a specialist called a mammographer. The mammographer will be female.
The mammograms themselves only take a few minutes, however the whole appointment should take about 30 minutes. Before beginning the mammogram, the mammographer will check your details with you and ask if you had any breast problems. Then they would proceed to explain the process and what will happen during the screening and answer any questions you may have.
Simple Tips to keep in mind:
Some simple tips to keep in mind before attending your appointment would be to wear clothing that’s easy to take off. For the breast screening you’ll need to remove clothing from the waist up, so clothes such as a skirt or trousers than a dress to make it easier.
On the day of the mammogram avoid using spray deodorant, antiperspirant, lotions, creams or talcum powder on your breasts and under the arms, as this can affect the accuracy of the x- ray. Roll on deodorant is ok. Also keep in mind to remove any necklaces and nipple piercings before you arrive for your appointment.
You should also consider scheduling your mammogram for one to two weeks after your period starts, as your breasts can be tender during menstruation. The best time is usually the week after your period, as hormonal changes make your breasts less sensitive during this period.
If you are worried about attending the appointment and feel as though you would benefit from attending the appointment accompanied with someone, you are welcome to bring someone along. Whether this be a friend, a loved one or even a carer you don’t have to attend on your own.
Going for a mammogram whether it be your first time or not, can be daunting and those nerves beforehand can be overwhelming. Be sure to talk to the staff if you are nervous or embarrassed as they are trained to help you feel more comfortable and provide you with support.
To read more about the NHS breast screening visit the link to read more on why the NHS offers breast screenings, why you have been invited and other information. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/breast-screening-helping-women-decide/nhs-breast-screening-helping-you-decide
