What is a Mammogram, and Why you Need One
September 7 • 2023
At Aylo Health, we understand how important it is for women to get their annual mammogram. That’s why we’re encouraging our female patients to schedule their mammograms now for Breast Cancer Awareness month.
We also created a t-shirt to show off your fearlessness in caring for yourself, so if you get your mammogram at Aylo Health in October you will receive a t-shirt for your bravery.
We understand that not everyone has gotten a mammogram before or has been putting their yearly mammogram on hold. And it is completely normal for you to have questions or feel nervous about the process, the machine, and even facing the results, but don’t let these emotions get in the way of stopping you from scheduling your mammogram.
To ease your mind, we have provided you with some helpful information as you take this important step in your health journey.
What is a Mammogram?
Now, you may hear the word mammogram and automatically think “big machine”, “scary”, and “painful”. Don’t let Google fill you with false information and scare you off from this important test.
A mammogram is a low dose x-ray that allows a qualified specialist to examine the breast tissue for any suspicious areas. The breast is exposed to a small dose of ionizing radiation that produces an image of the breast tissue. Mammograms work through a machine that uses two plates that compresses both of your breasts to get a quality picture of the breast tissue.
At Aylo Health we have state-of-the-art Imaging Facilities and use Genius 3D Mammography machines. This technology is proven to detect more invasive breast cancers and decrease inaccurate reports. As well as providing clearer results for radiologists to analyze.
When Should I start getting a mammogram?
At Aylo Health, we recommend that all women over the age of 40 undergo annual mammogram screenings, as the best measure of saving your life. The annual mammogram recommendation we take seriously based on what the American Cancer Society has in their cancer screening recommendations.
It’s crucial to start getting a mammogram at 40 so that you and your doctor are on the same page about where you are in your health journey. Being able to know and understand your breasts, and how the tests looked one year, two years, three years ago, goes a long way towards catching anything abnormal early. Doctors like to compare past readings to current readings so that they can ensure no changes have occurred since your last mammogram.
Why Should I Get a Mammogram?
At the end of the day, mammograms are critical for your health. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in American women and early detection is the best protection. When you get a mammogram, it can detect breast cancer up to three years earlier than when symptoms show up. This is a life-saving preventive care measure.
Catching cancer early means stopping the spread of the cancer quickly, and also having a higher chance of survival.
The Bottom Line
Getting a mammogram doesn’t have to be something you are anxious about or something that you keep putting off.
At Aylo Health, one of our top priorities is caring for women’s health, and we get it, there’s always the chance of getting bad news. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, but don’t let fear or dread keep you from scheduling your mammogram. The real scare is delaying and avoiding your mammogram screening, which in the end only delays detection.
So, what are you waiting for?
Take a deep breath and schedule your mammogram with Aylo Health today!