Jyoti Priya Deonarine (RR)
Pink Hibiscus Breast Health Specialist
Every day at Pink Hibiscus Breast Health Specialist Centre many patients are booked to have their breast screening done, and we are always bombarded by calls from patients about how to prepare for a mammogram.
To prepare for a mammogram only takes a few simples steps and a few helpful tips:
When is the right time to schedule your appointment?
Your breast screening should be scheduled when your breasts are least tender—for women who are not into menopause, this is usually during the week after your menstrual period.
Can I have a mammogram if I am breast feeding?
Lactating breasts tends to be dense because it is filled with milk which can make interpreting mammograms more difficult. Therefore, it is recommended for women to completely finish lactating before having their mammograms done. If a patient is symptomatic they can still be seen by a physician and a breast ultrasound can be performed in the interim.
What shall I bring?
It is always advisable for patients to walk with their previous imaging and reports (mammograms and breast ultrasounds) for a comparative study to be performed and any changes can be noted.
What can I wear?
Patients are advised to wear a two-piece outfit, so it’s easier to remove your top and bra for your screening examination.
On the day of the exam, patients are advised to avoid using:
• powder
• lotions
• creams
• perfumes
• deodorants under their arms, breast and chest area.
Some patients asks why? It is simply because certain products contain microscopic materials and particles which can mimic microcalcifications (specks of calcium) on a mammogram.
In a previous article mention was made that the morphology of calcifications in an important factor in deciding whether they are typically benign or not, therefore by not applying these products it reduces this false negative report and there is no confusion by the radiologist reporting on the images.
• To ensure this is done, cleansing wipes are provided to remove deodorant or any other products applied to the skin in the area of examination.
Can I eat?
Yes! You can absolutely have your regular meals when attending your breast screening appointment.
So there you have it, some simple tips to guide you with your preparation when you have scheduled your breast screening appointment.