During Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October, women are inundated with messaging about the importance of breast cancer screenings. While breast cancer mainly occurs in middle-aged and older women, about half of breast cancer diagnoses occur in women under 62 years old.
It is also one of the most common cancers in the United States, with approximately one in eight women receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. However, many women still have questions about their specific breast cancer screening needs or face anxiety about having a mammogram.
As Supervisor of Tallahassee Memorial’s Sharon Ewing Walker Mammography Clinic, I’m here to answer your questions and help you feel confident about scheduling your breast cancer screening.
When Should I Begin Breast Cancer Screenings?
Most healthcare professionals recommend women of average breast cancer risk start breast cancer screenings at age 40. According to the American Cancer Society, a woman is considered to be at average risk of developing breast cancer if she doesn’t have:
-
Personal history of breast cancer
-
Strong family history of breast cancer or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as in a BRCA gene)
-
Chest radiation therapy before the age of 30
Women with a strong family history of breast cancer or mutations of a BRCA gene may have high risk of developing breast cancer and are encouraged to begin regular breast cancer screenings before age 40. Discuss your family and medical history with your physician to determine your personal risk and when to begin your breast cancer screenings.
What is a Breast Cancer Screening?
While women are encouraged to be familiar with how their breasts look and feel through regular self-breast exams, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early when treatment is most likely to be successful. A mammogram machine uses a low-dose x-ray and two plates to compress the breast and spread the tissue apart to look for changes like:
-
Calcifications
-
Masses
-
Asymmetries
-
Distortions
What Happens During a Mammogram?
You may be intimidated or uncomfortable at the thought of your first mammogram. Here at the Sharon Ewing Walker Mammography Clinic, we are happy to answer any questions you may have to make you feel comfortable and prepared for your first mammogram. Here are some common questions we see:
What Should I Wear?
We recommend wearing a two-piece outfit, as you will need to fully undress from the waist up. Deodorant can interfere with a mammogram reading so we prefer women arrive without deodorant. However, we have wipes that can be used to remove the deodorant and we offer deodorant that can be put back on following the mammogram.
How Long Will It Take?
There is very little paperwork beforehand (just one paper!) so registration is usually three to five minutes. The mammogram itself only takes five to seven minutes.
Is It Painful?
Sharon Ewing Walker Mammography Clinic is the only facility in our region that uses a soft pad to keep it from being too cold and a flexible paddle to minimize any pain. Thanks to this, most patients experience little to no discomfort!
Can Someone Come With Me?
Only the patient is allowed in the room for the imaging. If a patient must bring their child to an appointment, team members are ready to step in and keep them company for the duration of the imaging.
What if I Need Help with Standing?
The unit has a handle on both sides to help with steadiness while standing. We can perform the mammogram while the patient is sitting, if needed.
Will the Mammogram Work on Implants?
Yes, a mammogram can be performed on breasts with implants.
Can I Have a Mammogram While Breastfeeding?
A mammogram is not recommended while breastfeeding, but a limited ultrasound can be done while breastfeeding if a patient feels any concerning areas, tenderness and/or discharge.
Who Will Perform My Mammogram?
The Mammography Technologist will guide the patient through the mammogram procedure. All Mammography Technologists are FDA/ACR Registered Radiological Technologists who are specialized in the mammography modality with FDA/ACR certification in mammography. Our Mammography Technologists are also sub-specialized in Breast Surgical Procedures.
When Will I Get My Results?
At the Sharon Ewing Walker Mammography Clinic, most patients receive a phone call with their results within five business days. Additionally, a letter will be mailed to the patient within two weeks.
Will Insurance Cover My Mammogram?
We accept all insurances and offer a self-pay discount for uninsured patients. We are also partner with the Leon County Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program for patients who are underinsured or uninsured.
How Do I Make an Appointment?
Patients can easily make an appointment online or by calling 850-431-LIFE (5433). We do require a physician’s order, which can be faxed or brought with the patient at the time of the appointment. If the patient has any difficulties getting the order, our office staff may be able to assist.
As a reminder, the order can come from a physician, nurse practitioner (NP) or advanced practice nurse practitioner (APRN), and it doesn’t matter what facility is at the top of the order.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please reach out to us at the Sharon Ewing Walker Mammography Clinic 8 am - 4 pm, Monday through Friday, by calling 850-431-5433.
