Common Fears

Photo of Ian Gardiner, MD FRCP(C)
By Ian Gardiner, MD FRCP(C)

Mammograms save lives. It’s as simple as that. And women over 40 should be getting mammograms on a yearly basis.

Despite knowing this, many women don’t get regular exams. While many women use time as an excuse, the most common reason women delay and don’t go is fear. Fear it will hurt. Fear they will get bad news. Fear that the radiation is harmful.

It’s time to put those fears to rest. Here are some guidelines and suggestions to make that trip to the mammogram clinic a quick and painless one.

  • Choose a clinic accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists. You can go to www.car.ca to find one near you.
  • Most women report little to no discomfort from current mammogram procedures. However, if you are worried about sensitivity:
    • Schedule your appointment to be in the first two weeks after your period begins.
    • Cut back on caffeine for a week leading up to your appointment as caffeine heightens sensitivity.
    • Speak to your technologist throughout the exam who is there to make it as comfortable as possible.
  • Don’t wear deodorant, antiperspirant, or skin cream the day of the mammogram. These products don’t cause cancer of course, but ingredients in them can show up as physical abnormalities on your x-ray film.
  • Follow up with your doctor’s office if you haven’t gotten the results within a week.

And the amount of radiation you’re exposed to during a mammogram now is minimal - it’s dropped 90 percent since the 1970s.

So don’t put off that mammogram any longer. Don’t live in fear that you might have breast cancer. With regular mammograms you come away with one of two results: early detection or peace of mind. Both are excellent reasons to schedule your next exam.

GOHAVE1 now.

About the Author

Director of Advanced Breast Imaging Program at the Canada Diagnostic Centre in Vancouver.

Dr. Gardiner is a clinical assistant professor at the UBC Department of Radiology and a breast-imaging consultant at the Specialist Referral Clinic.

He has served as the chief screener at the Screening Mammography Program of BC’s Broadway location, director of the Vancouver Breast Centre, head of the Private Practice Committee of BC Radiological Society, and a member of the Interval Cancer Review Committee of the Screening Mammography Program of BC.

Dr. Gardiner’s area of expertise is medical breast imaging, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI. He is one of three breast specialists at Canada Diagnostic Centres.

Comments

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  • Posted by kate (site host) on May 2nd, 2008 #

    Are you facing the questions of “what if ?” Talking about it and getting the answers to your ...

    Are you facing the questions of “what if ?” Talking about it and getting the answers to your questions can help put those fears to rest. Knowledge is power, and together we’ll find get through this. So, how do you feel? What are some of your concerns and fears? You’re among friends, so let’s talk about it.

  • Posted by Susan (Langley) on May 2nd, 2008 #

    Thank you experts, CBCF and everyone who has joined in this discussion. This site has helped clarify mammography and I ...

    Thank you experts, CBCF and everyone who has joined in this discussion. This site has helped clarify mammography and I am now signed up for a yearly scan. Have a nice day everyone!

  • Posted by Jane on May 5th, 2008 #

    I am apprehensive about mammography and will spend some time reviewing all of the information on this site.

  • Posted by Laura (Surrey) on May 5th, 2008 #

    Love the site!

  • Posted by Tanya M on May 21st, 2008 #

    I just found this site and want to thank you for the information. I did have some fears and with ...

    I just found this site and want to thank you for the information. I did have some fears and with my 40th birthday coming up, I’ve decided to go get my first mammogram. Thanks for being there and for being so open.

  • Posted by Anonymous on June 24th, 2008 #

    What if you're pregnant or breast-feeding? Can you still be tested? If not, is there a time frame ...

    What if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding? Can you still be tested? If not, is there a time frame to wait?

  • Posted by Kate (site host) on June 24th, 2008 #

    Hi there, Excellent question. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you shouldn't have a mammogram. If you have any changes ...

    Hi there,

    Excellent question. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you shouldn’t have a mammogram. If you have any changes to your breasts that you are uncomfortable or worried about during this time, you may want to consult with your doctor. As for how long you have to wait for one, for best imaging results you’ll want to have finished breast feeding. Having said that, if you do have a concern about your breasts, don’t delay speaking to your doctor about it.

  • Posted by Patricia L. (Burnaby) on August 26th, 2008 #

    The stories here are very inspirational and have helped calm a lot of my own fears. The fear of "what ...

    The stories here are very inspirational and have helped calm a lot of my own fears. The fear of “what if they find something” has stopped me from going to the doctor about a few things, including getting a mammogram. Thank you for your stories.

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