 |
 |
|
|
Your Breast Health |
Guide to Mammography |
Breast Cancer: Reduce Your Risk
Online Guide to Breast Self Exam |
Instructions for Breast Self Exam
Breast Health
Guide to Mammography
Every woman should consider early detection of breast cancer an important part of her overall approach to health and wellness. Although breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that occurs in females, it is also one of the most detectable cancers thanks to mammography. Through routine mammography, breast cancer can be identified at its earliest, most curable stage.
Experts agree that early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer. Today's low-dose mammography techniques have greatly improved a woman's chances for survival from breast cancer because mammography may detect a tumor long before you or your doctor can feel it. If found and treated early while localized in the breast, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent. Most important, women have more treatment options if the tumor is detected at an early stage; meaning treatments other than mastectomy are often possible.
Because mammography is considered one of the most important tools in the early detection of breast cancer, Hoag has convenient locations in Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine and Newport Beach. Each offers state-of-the-art diagnostic and screening mammography, as well as ultrasound services. Breast self-examination instruction on video is also available as a free community service. The skilled staff at all locations includes a radiologist and radiologic technologists who provide extensive information on breast cancer, mammography and related topics. Patients appreciate our all-female technical staff which provides added privacy and comfort for women. Most importantly, Hoag's Breast Care Centers are fully accredited by the American College of Radiology and certified by the FDA, which is essential in assuring you receive a reliable mammogram.
Mammography is a simple X-ray procedure that produces a highly detailed picture of the breast. Because mammography is capable of detecting lumps at their earliest, most treatable stage, it greatly increases a woman's chances of surviving breast cancer. In addition to discovering abnormalities that might otherwise go undetected, mammography may also help physicians determine the nature of suspicious areas in the breast.
Hoag Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society advocate mammography as an important part of a woman's preventive health plan. Routine physical examinations for breast lumps and monthly self-examinations are also recommended.
X-ray is not infallible. Although mammography detects most abnormalities before they can be felt, physical examinations may reveal a lump that doesn't show up on a mammogram. Therefore, mammography plus physician and self-examination are all important components in every woman's breast cancer prevention plan.
Not everyone needs a mammogram. The need depends on your age, symptoms and health history. However, considering the high incidence of breast cancer and the demonstrated value of mammography, Hoag Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society propose this guideline: 40+ Yearly Mammogram
Mammograms may also be advised for a woman of any age who has any of the following signs or symptoms:
- A palpable lump in the breast
- Discharge from the nipple
- Visible changes in the surface of the breast skin
- A family history of breast cancer
- Breasts that are hard to examine due to their large size or prior surge
Ask your physician to help you decide when you should have a mammogram
The day of your mammogram, please do not use deodorants, creams or powders in the underarm or breast area. Since you will be asked to undress from the waist up and to wear a dressing gown, you will find a skirt or slacks to be more convenient than a dress.
The entire exam, which requires two or more pictures of each breast, takes about 30 minutes. An experienced radiologic technologist will position the mammography machine firmly on your breast, so the best X-ray detail is achieved. After reviewing the initial test, the radiologist may request additional views or may ask to examine you to correlate the X-rays with the physical findings. Hoag radiologists read your mammogram immediately and will telephone your doctor with any results that may warrant prompt attention. The radiologist also sends a written report to your personal physician, who will discuss the results with you.
Hoag Hospital accepts most health insurance plans. Call our health insurance information line 800/400-HOAG (4624) to see if your insurance is accepted at Hoag.
Mammography is one of the most important tools in the early detection of breast cancer. Hoag features four convenient locations in Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine and Newport Beach for state-of-the-art diagnostic and screening mammography services. Women appreciate our all-female technical staff for the added privacy and comfort it provides while having a mammogram at a Hoag facility.
|
|
|
|