Ladies, I reached the big 4-0 last year, and you know what that milestone means, right? Following my annual check-up, I was promptly directed to schedule my very first mammogram. (If you haven’t been told this yet, stay tuned for more on that.) Nothing quite says “celebration” like embarking on a new medical journey, right? Happy birthday to me!
If you’re in the same situation and feeling apprehensive—similar to a teenager’s dread before her first gynecological exam—let me assure you: it’s really not a big deal. In and out in just five minutes; trust me, it’s far more pleasant than a dentist visit and easier than a pap smear. Honestly, I’d choose a mammogram over standing in line at the DMV any day.
I was clueless about how simple the process actually was before I arrived. What I did know was that I had to show up without any antiperspirant or deodorant. Naturally, that was also the same morning I had agreed to chat with a radio station about an article I’d written, so I was a nervous wreck before heading to the breast center. (For the record, I’d much rather endure a mammogram than be interviewed on the radio. Awkwardly answering spontaneous questions or sharing images of my insides? No contest.)
Once I donned my stylish mini hospital gown (they assured me it was “opening in the front”), a nurse ushered me into the radiology room. In an age where our smartphones fit into our pockets, the mammography machine looks colossal. It’s tall and bulky, occupying a significant amount of space, but the part that matters—the “boob section”—is roughly the size of a George Foreman Grill.
Remember that? The “Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine” from the 90s? The one where you place food inside and squish the lid down to cook it and drain out all the tasty fat? The mammogram works on a similar principle, except it doesn’t cook your breast. The squishing is definitely part of the process, though. As you stand in front of the machine, the nurse skillfully positions your breast for optimal compression. (Men, I hope you’re not still reading. This isn’t exactly glamorous.) Then, the nurse lowers the flat top—the George Foreman lid, if you will—and it compresses and clicks for X-rays. The same routine occurs on the other side.
Compression? Yes. Pain? Not really.
Fortunately, the nurse informed me that around half of first-time patients receive a follow-up letter asking them to schedule additional tests due to “dense breasts.” In other words, our youthful 40-year-old breasts are so full that it’s tricky to determine if any shadows or spots are concerning among all that lovely tissue. (I suppose I should take compliments wherever I can find them at this age.)
Naturally, my breasts received a follow-up letter, and after additional mammogram X-rays—which were even more compressive and therefore not as comfortable as the first—as well as a totally painless ultrasound, my “suspicious” spot was confirmed to be just ordinary breast tissue. I’m healthy!
Most of us receive the all-clear after our mammograms. In fact, some recent discussions have arisen about whether women in their forties even need mammograms. An independent panel—the United States Preventive Services Task Force—recently stated that mammograms for most women in their forties do not significantly reduce breast cancer mortality, suggesting we might be able to skip them.
But even without any risk factors, like close relatives with breast cancer or the BRCA gene mutation, I still chose to go through with it. For one, the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology continue to advocate for mammograms starting at age 40. My midwife recommends them as well. (Yes, midwives also care for non-pregnant women!) My hospital, the Cleveland Clinic—one of the leading hospitals in the nation—also advises annual mammograms beginning at 40. Invasive breast cancers still develop in 1 in 69 women in their forties, many of whom lack a family history of breast cancer. Plus, my health insurance covers routine annual mammograms starting at 40.
I’m a fan of preventive care. I get regular dental X-rays to monitor my oral health, take my kids and myself for annual physicals, and routinely check my cholesterol and blood work. I prefer to be informed and proactive about my health.
So, count me in for a bit of inconvenience and some squishing. While some may now consider 40 to be “young” for a mammogram, I’m committed to keeping myself (and my breasts) healthy for many years to come. And really, what’s a little compression when it comes to self-care?
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In summary, while the thought of a mammogram may be daunting, it’s a crucial step in maintaining your health. It’s quick, relatively painless, and essential for early detection. Embrace the experience and prioritize your well-being!
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