Many women wait for their physician to recommend that they have a mammogram. However, most adults only see their physician for health problems and not for health maintenance. However, it may be difficult for physicians to remember to recommend a mammogram when a women is being seen only for problems. Many women are realizing that it is okay to ask your physician for a referral for a mammogram. Also, some mammography facilities do not require a physician referral.
Many women are concerned about the discomfort and radiation dose of a mammogram.
Compression is applied to the breast for a few seconds during a mammogram. Discomfort can be reduced by scheduling a mammogram for the week after menses, or discontinuing hormone replacement therapy for about five days before a mammogram. The radiation dose from a mammogram is equivalent to the amount of cosmic radiation from the sun obtained flying in an airplane from the East to the West coast. Women age forty and older should be getting regular mammograms. There are no known ways to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.