Cancer Care & Prevention
We have a long history of helping patients before, during, and after their cancer treatment. Learn about the care & prevention of skin cancer, breast cancer, and radiation therapy.
Breast Cancer
66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed
at an earlier, easier to treat stage.
Let’s talk about how to catch it early.
Mammograms: What To Expect
WHAT IS A MAMMOGRAM?
A mammogram is a diagnostic imaging test that uses low-dose X-rays to examine the breast tissue, typically for detecting breast cancer or other abnormalities. Here's a few things to expect from the process.
How To Prepare
The day of your mammogram you’ll want to dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothing (you may be asked to exchange this for an exam gown), and you should also avoid deodorants, lotions, or powders on your chest or underarms, as these can interfere with the imaging.
Positioning & Imaging
A technologist will position your breast on a flat X-ray plate. The machine will lower a second plate to compress the breast tissue, spreading it out as much as possible for a clearer image. X-rays will be taken from different angles. Each breast is typically imaged twice (top-to-bottom and side-to-side).
What Does It Feel Like?
During a mammogram, your breast is compressed between two plates, which feels like firm pressure or squeezing. It can be uncomfortable or mildly painful but lasts only a few seconds per image. The discomfort is generally brief and tolerable– plus there are things you can do to minimize the pain.
Starting Age
There’s a lot of debate out there of when to start getting regular mammograms. Some advocate for as early as 40, while others say it’s not needed until 50 unless you have certain risk factors. Our advice? Talk to your doctor about your specific case, and once you start, make sure you get you a mammogram every year as recommended to make sure you catch anything early.
How Is Breast Cancer Treated?
Treatment for breast cancer is no one-size-fits all solution. Learn about the different ways this condition can be treated.
Self-Breast Checks
Just as important as annual mammograms are your monthly self-checks— and you can start these at any age! Here’s some tips on how do a self-check & what to look for:
What Happens After Treatment?
For many women who undergo a mastectomy or lumpectomy, a breast reconstruction is a crucial part of their recovery process, allowing them a return to a sense of normalcy.
Nipple-Sparing Procedure
This incision travels from the base of the nipple to the breast fold, removing all breast tissue, while preserving the skin, nipple, and areola.
Skin-Sparing Procedure
These incisions remove the nipple and may also go down the base of the breast, preserving as much skin as possible when the nipple cannot be saved.