7 Tips for Getting a Mammogram
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Early Detection Increases Breast Cancer Survival Rate
Did you know that in the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women next to lung cancer? The chance that a breast cancer sufferer will die from the disease is about 1 in 39 (about 2.5%), according to the American Cancer Society.
Breast cancer is also the second most common cancer that victimizes women in the country, next to skin cancers. On average, there’s a 13% chance for an American woman to develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
There’s a bit of good news though: Breast cancer death rates have been decreasing steadily since 1989 due to better treatments, increased awareness, and early diagnosis of the disease through screening.
Women can ensure early detection through breast self-exams, clinical exams, and mammograms.
Getting a Mammogram: Tips You Should Know
Using a low-dose X-ray, a mammogram creates breast tissue images. It’s a critical tool for detecting breast cancer in its early stages because the images it produces can show small tumors and changes in the breast tissue that may not be noticeable during a physical exam. In addition, it can detect tiny mineral deposits in the tissue, which can be an early sign of breast cancer.
If you’re set to undergo a mammogram, Breast Cancer Car Donations shares these tips to help you make the most out of it.
1. Choose a convenient location.
You’ll want to choose a convenient location for your mammogram breast cancer screening. While at it, pick a facility that specializes in mammography imaging.
2. Schedule the test around your period.
Your breasts are most tender the week before and during your period. You can ensure maximum comfort by scheduling your mammogram one week or two following your period.
3. Plan for a possible extended stay at the testing center.
Since a mammogram usually takes around 30 minutes to complete, you won’t likely get your results quickly during your appointment. Furthermore, the radiologist may require more time in conducting the test and examining its results later, especially if they see an acute concern regarding your case. They’ll have to thoroughly look at the images and give their approval before you can go home.
4. Consider pain medication.
You may feel slight discomfort during the test as your breasts are gently compressed between two plates to spread the tissue and allow for a clearer image. For this reason, you might want to take over-the-counter pain medication about an hour before your mammogram. However, be sure to check with your doctor first before you do this.
5. Limit your caffeine intake.
Since caffeine can make your breasts feel tender, you’ll want to reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages or chocolate 3-4 days before your scheduled mammogram.
6. Don’t use deodorant and moisturizers that day.
Particles in deodorant and moisturizers can mimic the appearance of microcalcifications on a mammogram. Additionally, these products can make it difficult for the mammographer to create quality images because they make your skin slippery. You can avoid undue alarm, confusion, additional tests, and a lost opportunity to detect breast cancer by not wearing any deodorant, lotion, perfumes, or creams on the day of your scheduled mammogram.
7. Wear a two-piece outfit and comfortable shoes.
The mammographer will instruct you to remove your top and bra before the test. For this reason, you’ll feel less exposed if you wear shorts, pants, or a skirt to your appointment instead of a dress. You’ll also want to leave any neck jewelry at home because anything around your neck will interfere with obtaining clear images of your breasts. Lastly, wear comfortable shoes instead of high heels that may throw you off balance when asked to lean forward or backward for best positioning while standing for your mammogram.
Reach Out to Breast Cancer Sufferers in the Comfort of Your Home
Did you know that you can extend a helping hand to the breast cancer sufferers in your area without going out to meet them and without pulling out your wallet? You can do that by simply calling us at Breast Cancer Car Donations and letting us know that you’d like to donate your spare vehicle for the benefit of needy breast cancer patients in your place. When you do that, you’ll be helping save the lives of those patients.
Our team will sell your donated auto through an auction and use the proceeds to help fund the life-saving programs of our charity partners. Thus, thanks to your donation, these IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations will be able to help more uninsured and destitute breast cancer patients.
Our charity partners will give these patients easy access to top cancer centers where they can get free breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Our partners also provide their beneficiaries with financial assistance to help cover the costs of their full treatment, doctor consultations, hospital fees, medications, follow-up care, and other essential healthcare services they need. Furthermore, these nonprofits are also active in promoting breast cancer awareness and providing prevention, education, and counseling services to the public.
Your donation will also bring you immense benefits. It will qualify you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. We’ll also provide you with our free professional towing service anywhere in the United States.
On top of these material rewards, your donation will allow you to savor a most satisfying giving experience, knowing that your gift will be used to help save lives.
You can donate almost any type of vehicle whatever its age or condition. Head over to this page to learn more about this.
For more information regarding our donation program, particularly our quick and simple donation process, check out our FAQs page. For your inquiries or concerns, feel free to call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-540-5069 or contact us here.
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Help Fight Breast Cancer Today!
Use your old and unwanted vehicle to join the fight against breast cancer today. Donate that vehicle to Breast Cancer Car Donations by calling 866-540-5069 or filling out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: October 2nd, 2023