BREAST CANCER SCREENING

Breast cancer screening exams help find breast cancer at an early stage. When found early, the chances for successfully treating the disease are greatest.
Along with regular exams, practice awareness, you should stay familiar with your breasts. That way you’ll notice changes, like a new lump or mass.
The screening recommendations below apply to average-risk women.

Women at increased risk may need different test or may need to be tested more often.

SCREENING TEST – BASIC (Rs 3, 200)
Mammography| Cancer Antigen (CA 15-3)| Full Blood Count (FBC)| Consultation

Mammogram

Mammography is an x-ray that checks for breast cancer in women. The images that it produces are called mammograms. These images may show small tumors that cannot be felt. Mammograms may also show other irregularities in the breast.

To prepare for your mammogram:

⦁ Consider scheduling the test within the 2 weeks after your menstrual period ends. Women’s breasts are least tender during this time.
⦁ Discuss any breast symptoms you are experiencing. Mention if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In both cases, your doctor will probably recommend postponing this test.
⦁ Avoiding caffeine for a week before the test
⦁ Taking an over-the-counter pain medication on the test day
⦁ Don’t use deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion or perfume before your mammogram as they leave residue on the skin that could create spots on the x-ray.

Tell the technologist if you have:

⦁ Breast implants
⦁ Previous breast surgery (You may be asked to point out any scars.)
⦁ Any area of concern in your breast
This helps the technologist better perform the mammogram. And it helps the radiologist read your mammogram more accurately.
If you had previous breast surgery, the technologist may tape small markers to your skin at the scar site. This will show the radiologist where you have the highest risk of recurrence.

If you have had a mammogram before, bring copies of the images to share with the radiologist

During the test

⦁ At the testing facility, you’re given a gown and asked to remove neck jewellery and clothing from the waist up. To make this easier, wear a two-piece outfit that day.
⦁ For the procedure itself, you stand in front of an X-ray machine specially designed for mammography. The technician places one of your breasts on a platform and raises or lowers the platform to match your height. The technician helps you position your head, arms and torso to allow an unobstructed view of your breast.
⦁ Your breast is gradually pressed against the platform by a clear plastic plate. Pressure is applied for a few seconds to spread out the breast tissue. The pressure isn’t harmful, but you may find it uncomfortable or even painful. If you have too much discomfort, tell the technician.
⦁ Your breast must be compressed to even out its thickness and permit the X-rays to penetrate the breast tissue. The pressure also holds your breast still to decrease blurring from movement and minimizes the dose of radiation needed. During the brief X-ray exposure, you’ll be asked to stand still and hold your breath.

After the test

⦁ After images are made of both your breasts, you may be asked to wait while the technician checks the quality of the images.
⦁ If the views are inadequate for technical reasons, you may have to repeat part of the test. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.
⦁ Afterward, you may dress and resume normal activity.