On the Coast – Families Issue 103 I December 19/January 20 | 页面 6

Mammogram
Surviving your first
with Dr Mary Ling, Central Coast Breast
and General Surgeon
Make a pact with your lady friends to stay on track
with breast health. Here’s how to handle your first
mammogram like a pro.
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If you are still menstruating,
schedule your mammogram for
a week after your period, when
breasts tend to be least sensitive.
Research has also shown
breast density is slightly
decreased during this
week, which can mean
mammograms may be more
accurate. Older women can
have a mammogram any
time of month.
Don’t wear deodorant,
talcum powder or
creams, as aluminium
found in these products can
show up as white spots on
mammograms and look like a
cancer. Although you are not applying
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deodorant directly to your breasts,
mammograms include images of your
armpit as well. You can always schedule
your appointment early in the morning
and bring deodorant along to apply
after your mammogram.
Wear a two-piece
outfit, as you will
need to undress
above the waist for
the mammogram.
Take an
over-the-
counter
pain killer, such
as Paracetamol or
Nurofen, 30 minutes
before your appointment to reduce
pain and sensitivity.
Dr Mary Ling is a Breast and General Surgeon
who consults at Gosford, Woy Woy and Kanwal.
& 02 4321 0302
www.drmaryling.com.au
@drmaryling
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ON TH E C OA S T – FA MILIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
I have no family history of breast
cancer – when should I have my
first screening mammogram?
Breast screening is recommended for
women aged 50 to 74. BreastScreen
NSW invites you to have your first
screening mammogram at the age
of 50, and then every 2 years until
the age of 74. If you are aged 40 to
49, you are also eligible for a free
screening mammogram.
I have breast implants – can I
still have a mammogram?
Yes. The current recommendations
for screening mammograms also
apply to women with implants.
Implants can cover parts of the breast
tissue making it harder to find small
cancers, but mammograms remain
the most effective test for early
detection of breast cancer. Special
techniques are used to shift the
implants out of the picture to get a
better view of the surrounding breast
tissue. Techniques are also used to
minimise the amount of compression
to the implants, but there is always
a small chance of damaging them.
Make sure you inform the facility you
have implants.