Health & Fitness

It's national mammography day ladies; who got their girls checked this year?

Because I have a family history of breast cancer, I've had to get my knockers flattened twice a year for the past 8 years. So if you're at all worried here's some heads ups and pointers I can give.

Peace of mind is 100% worth it
Peace of mind is 100% worth it

If the whole thought of having your boobs squished in a machine like that seems a bit intrusive, just remember that it's necessary to spread out the lobes, hold the breast in place and make the X-rays pass through less tissue. Basically the flatter your breast the better the image.

If you've gotten another X-ray before the tech was probably positioning you at arms length. When getting positioned for a mammogram, you'll be torso to bare torso with the tech while she holds one of your breasts (suspend any ideas you have about personal space for the appointment).

The tech also has to get as much breast tissue as possible on the cassette so she'll have you stand right up to the machine at a weird angle so your ribs are pressing against the cassette plate. Then she'll pull your breast as far forward as she can and hold it outstretched before applying compression. So, apart from getting squished, your boobs will get man-handled (it will be awkward).

You will feel a firm pressure followed by a tight squeeze when your breast is pressed down by the compression paddle. It will be uncomfortable but it shouldn't hurt. Also, the paddle pulling on your skin and plate pushing against your ribs are sources of additional discomfort but it's still 100% tolerable. However, I will warn you that your boobs will get flatter than you thought possible so if you're squeamish, don't look down (but don't worry about sagging because after the X-ray is taken, the paddle releases and they pop right back into shape).

You will get squished top down and with the machine at a 45 degree angle. Also, sometimes they put stickers with little metal balls on them to mark where the nipple is on the X-ray.

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To make it easier, here's a few suggestions: schedule it the week after your period, don't wear deodorant, relax as best you can, don't jump when the machine beeps as it takes the X-ray or you'll need a retake, don't back away until the paddle is off you (or you can get skin tears) and don't freak out if you get a call back. If you want the best quality image, try to get a 3D mammogram.
It's national mammography day ladies; who got their girls checked this year?
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