Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, and New Zealand has the highest death rates in the world from breast cancer. If the breast cancer is detected early enough there is an excellent chance of recovery. The best method of early detection of breast cancer is an x-ray examination called Mammography. Mammography is an x-ray examination of the breasts to help discover changes in the breast tissues and identify whether those changes are cancerous. These changes can be detected long before you notice anything unusual or start to feel unwell.

RISKS

X-rays are used for mammography. The amount of radiation is low and the benefits of being screened for breast cancer outweigh any risk or harm from the x-ray.The compression placed on your breast during the procedure cannot cause any damage to your breasts or give you breast cancer. It is best to avoid scheduling your appointment the week prior to your period as your breasts feel more tender at this time and the procedure may cause you discomfort.

WHO SHOULD HAVE A MAMMOGRAM

• All women over the age of 40 years should consider a mammogram.• Those who have a family history of breast cancer.• Those who have unexplained changes to their breasts such as; lumps, skin thickening or a discharge.If you have concerns talk to your doctor/ medical adviser, or call us and we can arrange a mammogram for you.

THE PROCEDURE

The whole visit will take about half an hour. You will need to undress from the waist up and will be given a gown to wear. We require you to fill out a questionnaire to aid the Specialist with their diagnostic report and then the Radiographer will bring you into the examination room and explain the whole procedure to you.When you are comfortable, the Radiographer will place one breast at a time between two plastic plates. Some compression of the breast is necessary in order to improve the image quality and this also reduces the amount of radiation used. As soon as the picture has been taken the compression plates are removed.We routinely take two views of each breast. Sometimes further views are taken to show an area of breast tissue more clearly, so don’t worry if we take some additional views it does not indicate that there is a problem present.For most patients mammography is sufficient, but sometimes an ultrasound may be needed to examine particularly dense breast tissue, further evaluate a lump or detect cysts.This is completely painless and uses sound waves to produce the pictures, not x-rays.

PREPARING FOR YOUR MAMMOGRAM

• Book your appointment the week following your period when the breasts are less sensitive.• Do not wear talcum powder or deodorant under your arms or on your breasts the day of your examination.• Wear a 2-piece outfit, as we require you to undress from the waist up.• Bring any previous mammography films with you to your appointment.

YOUR RESULTS

We either need to compare the images with previous examinations or look for subtle changes in the breast tissue so it is not possible to provide results immediately. All images are also read by a second Specialist to ensure nothing is overlooked or missed. Because of this your report will be sent to your doctor outlining the findings and our recommendations for any further action.

APPOINTMENTS

To make an appointment for your mammogram please call us on 03 375 4050.If you have any questions please ask your doctor or contact us directly. Our friendly and caring staff are always pleased to help.You can self refer for this examination if over the age of 40 years. We do require you to provide details of your GP for results to be sent to.