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Protect yourself — Get a mammogram
The bad news
An estimated 178,480 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in
American women in 2007 alone.
The good news
Your chances of surviving are better if the cancer is detected early, before it spreads to other parts of your body. In fact, when breast cancer is confined to the breast, the
5-year survival rate is 98 percent. That is why it is so important to take steps to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages.
(Source: Breast cancer facts, Komen.org)
Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers, because it can show changes in the
breast long before you or your doctor can feel them.
A mammogram
is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast. It is still the best tool available for finding breast cancer early and saving lives.
In addition, women should perform a breast self-examination monthly and see their health care provider once a year for a clinical breast examination. Starting at age 40, women should begin having regular mammograms. Talk to your doctor to determine the frequency appropriate for you.
To find a mammography center by geographic location, visit upmchealthplan.com. The UPMC Health Plan network offers more than 100 mammography locations. You also may call Member Services at the number on the back of your ID card. If you have special needs, call the Comprehensive Healthcare Center for Women with Physical Disabilities at
412-647-4747.
When you go to your mammography appointment, bring your insurance card, prescription, and contact information for your doctor. If you are going to a different mammography center, you will need to bring your previous mammography results.
To obtain them, simply call the last place you had a mammogram and ask when you can pick up your films.
Warning signs of breast cancer
- A change in the look or feel of your breast.
- A change in the size or shape of your breast.
- A lump or thickening in your breast, the area surrounding the breast, or the underarm.
- A warm sensation in your breast.
- A change in the look or feel of the nipple.
- A nipple turned inward or sunken into the breast.
- The shape of the nipple becomes irregular.
- A rash on the nipple or areola.
- Nipple tenderness, increased sensitivity, or pain.
- Nipple discharge. Blood or fluid other than breast milk secreted from the nipple.
- A change in the look or feel of the skin on the breast, nipple, or areola.
- Dimpling of the skin on the breast (appears like the skin on an orange).
- The appearance of irritated, red, scaly, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola.
- Breast pain. Although breast pain is usually associated with benign breast disease rather than breast cancer, it can be a symptom of either condition.
Tips to get ready for your mammogram
- Plan for your appointment to take from one to two hours.
- Schedule your mammogram at a time when your breasts are the least sensitive, typically the week after your period.
- If you are concerned about discomfort, take an over-the-counter pain reliever about an hour before your test.
- Bring your insurance information and prescription, as well as contact information for your doctor. (If using a different center, also bring past results.)
- Wear a two-piece outfit, so you only need to take off your top.
- On the day of your mammogram, do not use deodorant, powder, or lotion under your arms. These substances can show up on the x-ray and interfere with your mammogram results.
- Allow plenty of time. The radiologist may speak to you right after your mammogram or may want you to have additional views or tests.
- Before scheduling a mammogram, tell your doctor about any problems in your breasts. Also tell your doctor about prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.
- Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
- Tell the technician if you have breast implants.
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