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:
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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.
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Use a facility that either specializes in mammography or performs many
mammograms each day.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Don’t wear deodorant, powder, or cream under your arms – it may interfere
with the quality of the mammogram.
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Take with you a list of the places, dates of mammograms, biopsies, or other
breast treatments you have had before.
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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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