Mammogram tips
Many women have a yearly mammogram to help detect early breast cancer. Unfortunately, some women find the procedure so uncomfortable that they delay or skip it altogether. Here are a few tips to help you get through your yearly mammogram.
- Avoid caffeine the week before your mammogram. This means cutting out coffee and caffeinated drinks, chocolate and pain relievers that contain caffeine (read your labels!). Caffeine can make the breast tissue sore making the procedure more uncomfortable.
- Schedule the mammogram for the first half of your cycle. Many women find that their breasts are more painful in the second half of their cycle due to water retention and bloating.
- Don’t use deodorants, perfume, body oils, talcum powder e.t.c. on the day of your mammogram. They can leave a film behind which can make it more difficult to interpret the mammogram and increases the chances of having to have a repeat mammogram.
- Wear a 2 piece outfit so you can easily take off the top part and leave on the bottoms to have your mammogram.
All said, don’t let a little bit of discomfort prevent you from having this procedure which has been a lifesaver for many women.
