While Breast Cancer awareness is recognized during October, breast cancer can happen at any time. West Boca Medical Center wants to remind our readers to not forget about the importance of breast health and breast cancer monitoring all year long. This is your reminder to schedule your mammogram!
Check out these great tips so you are prepared before your appointment!
Tips to plan for your mammogram:
-Please inform the people scheduling your appointment of the location of any prior mammograms so that they may retrieve your images prior to your appointment. Having your previous results for comparison allows radiologists to identify breast changes earlier.
-Please inform the technologist if you have any current breast health concerns so that the radiologist can be notified. When you register, you will be asked to provide information regarding any prior breast surgeries or hormones taken, as well as family or personal history or family history of breast cancer.
-Please bring any completed forms, as this can help save you time.
-Schedule your mammogram when your breasts are not tender or swollen. Avoid scheduling a mammogram 5-7 days before your period. This is to prevent discomfort and to help your technologist capture the best pictures possible. The ideal time to schedule your exam is 5-7 days after your period.
-Avoid caffeinated food and drinks such as coffee, tea, soda or chocolates 5-7 days before your mammogram.
-On the day of the procedure, please do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts prior to the exam. These can produce artifacts on the mammogram which mimic calcium spots and may require retaking your images.
-If possible, wear loose-fitting, comfortable, two-piece clothing so you can remove only your top during the exam.
The Breast Center at West Boca Diagnostic Imaging is conveniently located on W. Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton. The center provides a peaceful, spa-like atmosphere and provides the following amazing services:
- 3D Mammography technology
- Fellowship-trained radiologists specially trained in breast imaging
- Same day mammogram results available upon request
- Breast MRI and ultrasound available if further testing is needed
- Stereotactic, ultrasound guided, and MRI-guided breast biopsies are also available
To schedule a mammogram, please visit westbocamedctr.com or call (561) 417-7920
