Hey there, ladies! I turned 40 last year, and you know what that means, right? After my annual check-up, I was promptly referred for my first mammogram. (Were you not? We’ll get into that later.) What better way to celebrate a milestone birthday than with a new medical experience? Happy 40th to me!
If you’re feeling anxious about this appointment—much like a teenager gearing up for her first pelvic exam—let me ease your mind: it’s really not a big deal. You’ll be in and out in about five minutes, and I can honestly say it’s far preferable to visiting the dentist or undergoing a pap smear. Honestly, I’d rather have a mammogram than wait at the DMV!
I had no idea how straightforward the process would be until I arrived. The first thing I was informed of was to forgo any deodorant or antiperspirant. Naturally, this was the same morning I had agreed to be interviewed by a radio station regarding an article I had written, so I spent the morning sweating nervously before heading to the breast center. For the record, I’d choose a mammogram over a radio interview any day—awkwardly answering questions is way worse than a picture of my insides!
Once I donned my stylish hospital gown (“Open in the front,” they advised), a nurse led me into the radiology room. In an age where smartphones fit into our pockets, the mammography machine seemed enormous. It loomed large and heavy in the room, taking up a considerable amount of space. But the part that actually does the work—the part that interacts with your breast—is about the size of, well, a George Foreman Grill.
Yes, you remember that iconic “Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine” from the 90s, right? You’d place food on it, squish down the lid, and voilà! The mammogram machine works on a similar principle, though it doesn’t cook anything. Instead, there’s some squishing involved. As you approach the machine, the nurse positions your breast for optimal squishage (men, this is probably not for you). Then, the flat plate comes down, applying pressure and taking X-rays. The same procedure is repeated on the other side.
Compression? Yes. Pain? Not really.
Fortunately, my nurse informed me that about half of first-time patients receive a letter requesting them to schedule a follow-up due to “dense breasts.” This means that our youthful, full 40-year-old breasts can sometimes obscure the visibility of any suspicious spots in the lovely breast tissue. (I guess I’ll take a compliment wherever I can find one nowadays!)
Sure enough, I received a follow-up letter, which led to additional mammogram images—slightly more uncomfortable due to the extra compression—and a painless ultrasound. Thankfully, my “suspicious spot” turned out to be just ordinary breast tissue. Phew! I’m healthy!
Many of us receive a clean bill of health after our mammograms. However, there’s been some debate about whether women in their forties really need to undergo this screening. An independent panel recently suggested that mammograms may not significantly reduce breast cancer deaths for most women in their forties, and they could be skipped safely.
But I have no family history of breast cancer and don’t carry the BRCA gene mutation, so why did I choose to go through with it? Well, organizations like the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology still advocate for mammograms starting at 40. My midwife supports getting screened at this age too—yes, midwives care for women beyond just pregnancy! Even the Cleveland Clinic, one of the nation’s leading hospitals, suggests annual mammograms beginning at 40. It’s worth noting that invasive breast cancer occurs in about 1 in 69 women in their forties, and a majority of these women lack a family history of the disease. Plus, my insurance covers routine annual mammograms starting at this age.
I’m a fan of preventive care. I regularly get dental X-rays to check on my teeth, take my children and myself for annual check-ups, and monitor my cholesterol and blood work. Knowledge is power, and I prefer to take proactive steps to safeguard my health.
So, count me in for a little squishing! While some might say that 40 is “young” for a mammogram, I plan on keeping myself—and my breasts—healthy for many years to come. What’s a little squishing in the name of self-care?
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Summary:
This article discusses the experience of getting a first mammogram after turning 40, aiming to demystify the process and alleviate fears associated with it. The author shares personal anecdotes, reassures readers about the procedure’s simplicity, and emphasizes the importance of preventive care, despite some debates on its necessity for younger women.