Finding conflicting guidelines on when to start having mammograms? Here’s what a trusted GP advises, along with the low-down on what to expect.
If you ask three different women when you should start having mammograms, chances are you’ll get three different answers – especially if they come from different countries. Dr Joanne Leach, a family GP in Vredehoek, reveals that in South Africa you find a lot of conflicting ‘guidelines’, rather than a standardised approach.
Joanne shares that in South Africa, historically your first screening mammogram has been at 40 years old. By ‘screening mammogram’ she means a routine mammogram. A mammogram would be prescribed regardless of age if it were in response to a lump found on examination, a skin or nipple change or a breast shape change. Recently, Joanne says the trend is moving to push the age out to 45 years old for your first screening mammogram and to repeat it every three years. She does highlight that your doctor may prescribe this earlier and more frequently, depending on your risk profile which is based on family and personal medical history.
Joanne’s advice is to carry out a self-examination every 4-6 months and to have a yearly one with your doctor. If you find something, a lump or mass, she urges you to see your doctor and to always disclose all family or known genetic history.
No amount of years, whatever yours happens to be when you’re sent off to have your first mammogram, will prevent you from feeling slightly nervous! Julia Baker* from Cape Town shares her experience:
‘I was advised to have a screening mammogram in my 40th year as my mother has had breast cancer twice. I turned 40 in May and booked my appointment for June. As I was handed a cotton gown and was asked to remove all clothing and jewellery down to my waist, I decided that next time round I’d choose a warmer month!
When it was my turn, a friendly lady helped to position my breast on a flat x-ray plate. I had to turn my face sideways to prevent crushing my nose on the upper part of the machine. Then she slowly lowered another plate down, trapping my breast between them. She kindly gave me warning that she was going in for the last squeeze and that it would be slightly painful but only last seconds – she was right. She did the same to my other breast and I was home dry.
The thought of a mammogram does bring on a certain amount of dread, but, at the right age, they are an important health routine. Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer in SA women, where the risk is 1 in 26. Mammograms help detect this cancer in its early stages and therefore a mammogram could save your life.
*names have been changed
Sources:
https://patient.info/health/breast-cancer-leaflet/breast-screening
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/dec/11/breast-screening-worth-having-cancer
http://www.cansa.org.za/womens-health/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/1012047-qa-breastcancer-screening-important
