Breast Talk: Can Breastfeeding Moms Get Mammograms?

Have a blessed day. All women need to have a mammogram at the appropriate age. Ask your doctor if it is the right time for you to start your mammogram. Screening can help reduce breast cancer amongwomen ages 40 to 70. Some women are recommended to start sooner, depending on family history of breast cancer etc... I know of young ladies that were in their twenties when they found a tumor or cyst. Therefore, if you feel something is just not right, consult your doctor. Check your own breast on a regular basis. Do a self exam. Remember breast changes can occur when  you are having a menstrual cycle, you are pregnant, you are going through menopause or have gone through menopause, taking birth control pills or other hormones. Contact your doctor if you feel concerned about your breasts. What is amammography? A mammogram is an x-ray of your breasts. Digital and conventional both use x-rays. Tomosynthesis or 3D mammography is a type of digital image. Digital images can be read by a doctor on the computer. It produces images inside the structure of your breast. It is more reliable. The doctor reading your mammogram looks for several types of changes such as: calcifications, mass, tumor or cyst. Mammograms candetect cancer at early stages. It candetect tumors that may not be felt by you. This way, if any suspicious lump or tumor is found, treatment can beginearly. Your doctor will make a decision if something suspicious is found. Your doctor may require additional pictures, testing, so he can make the  whether to take the tumor, mass or cyst out. Additionally, women who have had breast implants for augmentation or reconstruction after mastectomy may require additional testing. Modern x-rays domammograms use very little radiation these days. So, don't be worried that this may cause cancer. For a mammogram test, the breast needs to be compressed between two plates to flatten and spread the tissue.The compression only lasts a few seconds and may be a little uncomfortable however, this is the best way to get a good picture of your breasts. The entire procedure usually takes twenty minutes. There are severalnew technologies coming on the market to help detect breast cancer. MRI, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning and Diffuse Optical Tomography are some of them. It uses light instead of x-rays to createpicture of your breasts. False negativeresults happen when taking mammograms. Sometimes this happens when a woman's breast is dense. If you feel something is not right with yourbody, ask for additional tests or see another doctor. Second opinions are always good. False positive results occur when a radiologistssees something abnormal and requires further testing. For most women, mammograms are covered one hundred percent. Therefore, you should not hesitate to go and get one. Schedule your mammogram when your breasts are not so swollen or tender to help reduce comfort and to take a better picture. Try to avoid going one week before your period.Be sure to discuss any symptoms with your doctor. Go over family medical history of any types of breast problems. If you do not hear back from your doctor, call him and make sure your test has come out fine. Usually, the center will send you a postcard of the results. It is completely safe for a mom to have a mammogram while breastfeeding. Therefore, breastfeeding moms need to continue to get their yearly mammograms. Just remember to empty your breast just before you go for your appointment so this way it can help reduce any tenderness or risk of a let down. Your breasts may be more tender because of breastfeeding.Just remember to tell the technician that you are breastfeeding before you begin. X-rays do not affect breast milk. Therefore, right after youhave a mammogram, you can breastfeed. Although lactating women have more dense breasts, due to milk production, a skilled radiologist will be able to read your mammogram. Ask the place if there is a radiologist who knows how to read and x-ray when a woman is breastfeeding. Breastfeeding before amammography helps the doctor see your breast more clearly. In conclusion, Keep your annual appointment mammogram and continue breastfeeding. Strict guidelines now make mammograms safe for all women.Therefore, there is no excuse why a woman will not go for a mammogram. Love your self and take care of your health. This may one day save your live.