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Tips for Good Mammograms
Knowing What to Do Improves Mammogram Results
Article date: 1999/12/09
The American Cancer Society (ACS) offers some advice to women on how to make sure they are getting the best quality screening when going for a mammogram:
 
  • Ask to see the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certificate that is issued to all facilities that meet high professional standards of safety and quality.
  • Use a facility that either specializes in mammography or performs many mammograms each day.
  • If you are satisfied that the facility is of high quality, continue to go there on a regular basis so that your mammograms can be compared from year to year.
  • If you change facilities, ask for your old mammograms and take them with you to the new facility. They can be compared to the new ones.
  • If you have sensitive breasts, try having the mammograms done at a time of the month when your breasts will be less tender. Try to avoid the week right before your period. This will help lessen discomfort.
  • Don’t wear deodorant, powder, or cream under your arms – it may interfere with the quality of the mammogram.
  • Take with you a list of the places, dates of mammograms, biopsies, or other breast treatments you have had before.
  • If you don’t hear from your physician within 10 days, do not assume your mammogram was normal – confirm it by calling your physician or the facility.

ACS News Center stories are provided as a source of cancer-related news and are not intended to be used as press releases.
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