Mammograms are the premier tool for detecting breast cancer as early as possible.
“When you know what to expect, you’ll find that getting a mammogram is an easy way to put yourself first and take care of your health,” said James Kuo MD, co-medical director of PIH Health Breast Center Whittier.
Here’s how to prepare for your next mammogram:
1. Talk to your primary care doctor about when and how often you should get mammograms. For most women, doctors recommend once every year, starting at the age of 40, unless you have risk factors for breast cancer. Women at an elevated risk for breast cancer may need to start earlier or supplement with a breast MRI. Follow your doctor’s recommendations to help detect breast cancer early—when it is easiest to treat.
2. Choose a facility and schedule your appointment. If possible, go to a facility that is recognized for excellence and specializes in breast imaging. If your breasts are more likely to be tender or swollen during the week before your period, it may be more comfortable to avoid mammography during that time.
3. Bring previous records. If you’ve had breast screenings done at other facilities, bring those records with you or arrange to have them sent to the new facility so they can be used as a basis for comparison. This should include both images and reports for mammograms, biopsies and any other screenings or breast procedures performed.
4. Follow instructions. Most facilities will give you instructions for what to do when you come for your mammogram. Most of the time, no special preparations are needed on your part.
5. Inform the facility about any areas of concern and any breast changes you’ve noticed while scheduling. If you have any breast symptoms you are concerned about, let the facility know in advance so they can schedule you for the appropriate imaging study. Sometimes you would be better served by a diagnostic exam instead of a screening. Also inform the facility if you think you might be pregnant or you are breastfeeding.
6. Relax. Some people dread getting mammograms because they feel they are uncomfortable, but remind yourself that it’s only a few minutes of discomfort that can potentially save your life (breast compressions only last 10 to 15 seconds per image). The more you relax and think positive thoughts, the less bothered you will be by the test.
7. Congratulate yourself. Getting routine mammograms is an important step in maintaining your breast health. Be proud of yourself for taking that step.
PIH Health: A Partner in Breast Health
For comprehensive cancer detection and treatment, PIH Health is here to help. PIH Health employs an outstanding team of highly trained, dedicated physicians, technologists, and nurses who are experts in detecting breast cancers and knowledgeable in all aspects of breast health. Its expert team is ready to walk you through every step of your mammography and care.
PIH Health has mammography centers in Downey and Whitter where patients can expect state-of-the-art, accurate and timely breast imaging services from a team that follows the highest standards for safety and quality.
PIH Health offers the latest in diagnostics, such as 3D digital mammography (tomosynthesis), breast MRI, breast ultrasound, ultrasound-guided needle biopsy, MRI-guided needle biopsy, stereotactic or tomosythesis-guided needle biopsy, and fluid aspirations. The PIH Health team also assists surgeons with wire localizations.
When patients choose PIH Health for a screening mammogram, they receive a clearer, more accurate picture of their breast, so there’s less chance of a need for additional tests. That’s because PIH Health offers 3D mammograms to all patients. This tool improves the ability of mammography to detect early breast cancers ‒ using digital x-ray technology to capture multiple images of the entire breast from different angles to produce high-resolution detail that allows radiologists to identify any signs cancer.
Routine breast cancer screening is important for all women, but even more so for those at higher than average risk. PIH Health helps to identify higher risk women through its High-Risk Screening Program. Whether a woman checks in for her annual screening mammogram or any imaging exams related to the breast, she is given a questionnaire that helps to identify if there is an elevated risk for breast cancer. If she is at higher-than-average risk, she will receive information on how to manage her risk, such as lifestyle changes, medications, surgical options and additional screening methods like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Providing Research-Driven and Patient Focused Care
Should a diagnosis occur, PIH Health combines its expertise with breakthrough therapies and technologies, and supportive care. PIH Health offers coordinated and personalized treatment plans tailored specific to each patient to address and meet their long-term healthcare needs.
At the time breast cancer is identified, patients are paired with a diagnosis specific nurse navigator who guides them through the process of physician consultation and additional assessment, treatment and survivorship. Cases are discussed in a weekly multidisciplinary tumor board composed of pathologists, radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, oncology certified nurses and support service professionals, to ensure comprehensive assessment and care. Additionally, site specific cancer conferences in breast malignancies provide focused recommendations for this disease.
‘When you know what to expect, you’ll find that getting a mammogram is an easy way to
put yourself first and take care
of your health.’
Patients also have access to an expanded offering of oncological clinical research trials, including the newest breast cancer treatments and therapies not yet widely available to provide additional options for patients in their battle with cancer. A wide range of support services, including palliative care, behavioral health resources, nurse navigators, support groups and more are available to help PIH Health patients feel better physically and emotionally, and offer guidance and encouragement throughout their cancer journey.
A Dedication to Excellence
Patients can feel confident they will receive high-quality breast imaging services at PIH Health. PIH Health Breast Center Whittier is a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, and is also accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, a recognition given to breast centers that provide exceptional care and demonstrate a firm commitment to offering patients significant advantages in their battle against the disease.
To schedule a mammogram today at PIH Health, visit PIHHealth.org/Mammogram or call (562)906-5692. To learn more about cancer care at PIH Health, visit PIHHealth.org/Cancer.
