Breast Cancer Screening
Method: Palpation and mammography
Mammography is X-ray photography of the breast. It is performed using a specially designed X-ray machine for the breast. The breast is stretched thin and flat, then placed between two transparent plates to be photographed. Two images of both breasts are taken at different orientations, for a total of four images.
Examination Precautions
Mammography exams may cause pain as pressure is applied across the breast.
If you are in a lot of pain during the scan, please inform the doctor. You may feel more pain if screened within 1 week before menstruation, as the breasts may become firmer and sore. Therefore, we recommend scheduling the examination for after menstruation, when the breasts have softened.
You are ineligible for breast cancer screening (group screening) if:
- You are pregnant or presumably pregnant.
- You are lactating.
- You have a curved spine or cannot stand up straight (about 7 minutes).
- You have artificial objects in your breast (e.g., breast implants, etc.)
- You have a pacemaker, VP (ventricularperitoneal) shunt, or port (subcutaneous implantable drug infusion device) in your body.
- You are undergoing treatment for thoracic surgery (rib fractures, contusions, etc.)
- You are undergoing treatment for a breast disease.