Solis Mammography, thebrnation's largest independent provider of breast screening services, applaudsbrthe important work of breast cancer research, advocacy and education. Sincebrfootball is in the air, and because Solis Mammography is steadfast in its beliefbrthat the best offense in the fight against breast cancer is a great defensebr(early detection), it created a Breast Health Playbook.
Breast Health Playbook – Facts To Know Before You Go:
Coach Yourself and Other Teammates
Know the difference between 2-D and 3-D mammography. Whilebrconventional 2-D mammography was a significant step forward for its time, itbrhas been dramatically surpassed by the improved technology of 3-D mammographybr(also known as digital breast tomosynthesis.) It is the best and most advancedbrtechnology for early detection of breast cancer. In 2013, peer-reviewedbrresearch, co-authored by Solis Mammography's Chief Medical Officer Dr. StephenbrRose, demonstrated that 3-D mammography increases early detection of breastbrcancer by 54 percent and decreases recall rates by 37 percent.
Women should check their insurance plan for 3-D mammographybrcoverage. While Medicare and most private insurance companies now cover 3-D, bebrsure to ask and make sure. Also, regardless which provider you choose, makebrsure they offer 3-D mammography screening.
If visiting a new facility, have previous mammography scansbrsent to them. The films are electronic, and this should be an easy process.
Special Teams
A mammogram in not just a mammogram. In the search for thebrright provider (because patients have a choice), find a facility that is abrdedicated to breast screening. Make sure the center is staffed by fellowship-trainedbror dedicated breast radiologists (radiologists who read a high volume of bothbrscreening and diagnostic mammograms). Also ask if they employ “batch reading”br(a process of interpreting screening mammograms without interruption, ensuring the most accurate results.) Andbrfinally, ask if the radiologist is trained and experienced at reading 3-Dbrmammography.
Time Out
For any exam, it is best to arrive 15 minutes before yourbrscheduled appointment time to prepare. Patients should bring their insurance cards,brdriver's license and the name of the physician to whom results should be sent.
Ask the facility when and how patients will be notified ofbrtheir results. Solis Mammography understands the anxiety that often accompaniesbrwaiting for the mammogram result, which is why it delivers results via securebremail within 24 to 48 hours of your visit.
Uniform
Solis Mammography recommends women wear a two-piece outfitbron the day of their mammogram, as they will be asked to remove their topbrgarments only. The facility will provide women with a wrap or robe to wear.
On the day of the appointment, don't wear deodorant,brantiperspirant, lotion or perfume. Some of these items contain substances that can show up on thebrX-ray as white spots. It is recommended for patients to bring these items withbrthem to put on after the mammogram.
The Playbook
Remember, a strong defense is the best offense in the fight against breast cancer. When a woman participates in her breast health bybrgetting regular, annual mammograms, she ensures that should any issue ever bebrdetected, it will be at its smallest possible size and thus easiest tobrtreat. The average size of an anomaly found through annual mammograms isbrthe size of a pea. The average size of an anomaly found through occasionalbrself-exam is the size of a walnut. This size difference can andbrdoes have a dramatic impact on both treatment options, cost, and long-termbroutcome.
This October,brSolis Mammography wants to create a movement of action and invites everyone tobrbe proactive in their individual quest for breast health. Women need to notbronly get their own mammogram every year beginning at age 40, but also talk tobrfriends, family and loved ones to encourage them to do the same. If patientsbrand providers alike do their job with mammogram awareness, then wellness andbrprevention in breast health will outpace the need for invasive healthcarebrtreatment. Together, we can turn Team Awareness into Team Action and scorebrsignificant strides in the fight for breast health.
Visit SolisMammo.com for more information.