Self-exams and Mammograms

Self Exams-Once a Month

Self exams are an important monthly way to get to know your body better and to recognize any changes. Check out https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam for how to check for lumps.

Mammograms

Mammograms are x-ray images taken of the breast that can detect breast changes such as calcifications or masses within the tissue of the breast. I had my first mammogram at 40. That’s the special age when everything starts falling apart and you might start to wonder if you are now considered “old”. It’s also a great time to get baseline imaging.

You basically get your boobs arranged and squished between two plastic plates. You hold your breath whilst the technician (usually an amazingly kind soul who is totally compassionate and gets the fact that you are pretty uncomfortable about exposing yourself and getting squished) goes back to the computer to take the images and record the data.

The radiologist reads the images and determines if the technician needs to take more images. Based on the findings they then determine if further actions are needed. If so, you get to take the trip to the special room.

Screening Cost Help in Alaska

The Breast Cancer Detection Center https://bcdcofalaska.org/

Ladies First https://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/wcfh/Pages/ladiesfirst/default.aspx