- Ask to see the 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 a 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 facilties, ask for your old mammograms to bring with you to the new facility so that they can be compared to the new ones.
- If you have sensitive breasts, try having your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts will be least tender. Try to avoid the week right before your period. This will help to lessen discomfort.
- Don't wear deoderant powder or cream under your arms--it may interfere with the quality of the mammogram.
- Bring a list of the places, dates of mammograms, biopsies, or other breast treatments you have had before.
- If you do not hear from your physician within 10 days, do not assume that your mammogram was normal -- confirm this by calling your physician or the facility.
Adapted from an American Cancer Society brochure, entitled "8 Tips for Good Mammograms."
|
