Mammography

Mammography is a well-established screening tool that uses low-dose X-rays to evaluate breast tissue for the possible presence of cancer.
A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is an excellent method to ensure early detection and improved prognosis, by revealing changes in the breasts that may have gone undetected during a clinical examination by a doctor or self-examination by the patient.
At SCP, all mammograms are performed by qualified mammographers.
A routine mammogram should be done once a year from the age of 40.
Patients who have a strong family history (grandmother, mother, sister) of breast cancer, should discuss the possibility of screenings from an earlier age with their doctor.

General information

A mammogram examination will include four images - two of each breast - and a breast ultrasound if necessary.
A breast ultrasound and a mammogram complement each other. They are two different imaging modalities.
Mammography is the gold standard for imaging the breast.
Micro and macro-calcifications, masses, cysts, skin thickening and tissue distribution can be seen on a mammogram.
Masses and cysts can be seen on ultrasound with the advantage of evaluating them according to shape, size and blood flow. Calcifications are not always seen on ultrasound, therefore a mammogram and ultrasound must be performed on patients with dense breast tissue.
This technology has been proven to save lives through the early detection of breast cancer.
Similar to how cameras take and store pictures, SCP’s digital mammography units use breast compression and X-rays to create digital images that are stored electronically.
True 3D breast tomosynthesis delivers high-quality images of thin "slices" of breast tissue for a more reliable and accurate diagnosis, regardless of breast size or tissue density (available at Panorama, Durbanville, Cape Gate, Louis Leipoldt, Tygervalley Mammography Centre, Paarl and Vredenburg).
Multiple SCP branches offer diagnostic mammography, which means that all mammograms and breast ultrasounds are interpreted by an on-site radiologist and results are made available by means of a report.

Before your mammogram

It is best to make a booking for your mammogram at the branch of your choice.
Be at the rooms at least 15 minutes prior to the time of your appointment.
Always bring your previous mammogram CDs or films along and hand them over to the mammographer who will perform the examination.
Do not wear deodorant, lotion or talcum powder on the breasts or under the arms on the day of the examination. They may cause artefacts that may interfere with the interpretation of the examination.
The mammographer will ask you for a short history prior to the examination.
You may be requested to remove some or all jewellery prior to the examination and will be handed a key to lock them in a locker in your cubicle.
As you will be requested to undress from the waist up, wear an easily removable top with a skirt or pants. You will be given a top or gown to wear prior to the examination.
During the examination, this will also have to be removed since it may cause artefacts on the films.
Special preparation:
- There is no special preparation for a mammogram examination
- It is important to be calm and relaxed during the examination to help with positioning of the breast and to achieve excellent image quality.

Let the mammographer know

What to expect

A mammogram can be performed standing or sitting in front of the mammogram unit.
Your breasts will be positioned in the mammogram unit by a trained radiographer, called a mammographer.
A minimum of two examinations will be performed on each breast.
Images will be done from the top and from the side of each breast.
During the examination, each breast will be compressed and flattened between a detector/image receptor and a clear Perspex/plastic compression plate with two clear Plexiglas or plastic panels.
Once the breast is compressed, the mammographer will stand behind the control panel and press the exposure button.
Some patients will experience the study as uncomfortable and a few experience it as painful. Most patients will experience it as only a minor discomfort.
After the examination is completed, you may be requested to wait in your cubicle or in an ultrasound room while the doctor interprets the films.
Further views of the breasts may be required or an ultrasound examination may be performed as an additional evaluation.

After the mammogram

If you experienced discomfort during the examination, your breasts may be tender for a short while after the examination.
You can, however, continue with your daily routine as usual as there are no side-effects to this examination.
It is very important that you inform your doctor of any major discomfort or side-effects.
The report will usually be available within an hour and a half to two hours, after completion of the examination. It will be sent electronically to your referring doctor.
If further evaluation is needed, your referring doctor will inform you accordingly.

How long will it take?

A mammogram examination takes 15 minutes, which includes four images of the breast and an ultrasound breast scan if necessary.
You should, however, be prepared for a maximum examination time of 30 minutes as there will be an on-site radiologist interpreting the images and extra time needs to be allowed for any additional images that may be requested by the radiologist.
The breast is compressed for less than 1 minute for each image taken.

Mammography tips