Yes! I've finally been 'mammographed'!

(Published on 5 December 2006 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Overcoming one’s fears is not easy. I have been wanting to get a mammography done for some years now… but was scared stiff. Friends are to be blamed for this – for they told me that it was a painful exercise that resulted in a lot of discomfort. But really – it was fear of the unknown. I was not even sure of what the procedure entailed. Was it an injection? Or was it a needle biopsy? Or was it just a plain ultrasound or an x-ray? Or do they put you in a ‘CAT scan’ like machine? I reached the hospital clueless. The only instruction given prior to the mammography was to avoid using any deodorant, talcum powder or lotion. The lady doctor was gentle and before she proceeded chose to explain the whole process to me.

Mammography is the process of examining the breast for different types of tumours and cysts by using low-dose X-rays. The process has been proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer as it results in early detection. During the procedure, the breast is compressed by two plates that are part of the machine, in order to even out the tissue and increase image quality. Both front and side images of the breast are taken. Radiologists then analyze the image for any abnormal growths. Self-breast examination is essential for regular breast care but mammography is a more reliable method. Routine mammography of older women is encouraged as a screening method to diagnose early breast cancer.

The doctor also explained that though mammography is the only screening method which has been shown to actually detect cancer, it is not always 100% accurate. 10 – 20% of cancers are missed by mammography. In every 100,000 women approximately 350 women suffer with breast cancer. Of these about 35-70 will not be seen and detected by mammography. The following myths about breast cancer need to be busted:
hOnly women get breast cancer
hOnly women with a family history of breast cancer are at risk
hOlder women are less likely to get breast cancer than younger women
hBreast cancer is contagious
hAll breast lumps are cancerous
hSmall-breasted women cannot get breast cancer
hDrinking coffee increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer
hAntiperspirants are a leading cause of breast cancer
hBreast-feeding causes breast cancer
hOral contraceptive pills cause breast cancer

The examination lasted for less than 30 minutes. While mammography does involve breast compression, which is temporarily uncomfortable, the procedure is not unbearably painful. It was over before I realised that it was. The compression lasts for a very short duration. My appeal to all my readers is to take out half an hour from their busy schedules and get a mammography done. And when you have taken the step – remember to talk about it to as many people as possible.

"Sickness comes on horseback and departs on foot." Dutch Proverb

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com