DATE:  October 10, 2007                             For More Information, Contact:
                                                                                    Nancy Malloy, Director
                                                                                    St. Anthony Radiology Department
                                                                                    712-792-8201

NEWS RELEASE

St. Anthony Offers Tips for a More Comfortable Mammogram

 As fall arrives each year, school activities, shorter daylight hours and the flurry of harvest can signal the change of seasons. October also signals National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and carries with it a reminder that having a mammogram can save lives by detecting breast cancer in its earliest form. “Any woman who hasn’t already had her yearly mammogram should take advantage of the October reminder to schedule an exam,” said Nancy Malloy, Director of St. Anthony’s Radiology Department.  “As the year draws to a close, families often find their annual health insurance deductibles have been, or will be satisfied, making it a perfect time to schedule health screening exams, including a mammogram.”

Women often find that having a mammogram can be uncomfortable, and use that as an excuse to skip the potentially lifesaving annual exam. However, it is worth your time to take the few minutes necessary to get the peace of mind a mammogram can give.  To help make the procedure as comfortable as possible, the radiology professionals at St. Anthony offer the following tips:

·         Coffee, tea or soft drinks containing caffeine can make the breasts tender and lumpy, which may lead to discomfort during a mammogram. Some of this discomfort may be relieved by avoiding caffeinated beverages for a week before the scheduled mammogram. Chocolate and some over-the-counter pain relievers may also contain caffeine, so be sure to check the label of any over-the-counter medication you may be taking one week before the exam. Discontinue its use if it contains caffeine.

·         Avoid using deodorant, perfumes, talcum powder, or oils on the day of a mammogram. These products may leave a residue that can be picked up by the X-rays and possibly interfere with the results. If the results are not clear, a second, follow-up mammogram may be needed.

·         Many women experience more tenderness, or slightly swollen breasts during the week prior to their menstrual period. If it’s normal for you to experience breast tenderness during that time, try to schedule your mammogram at another time.

·         It's a good idea to wear a two-piece outfit, with a blouse or sweater. You will need to remove all clothing above the waist and will be given a gown to wear during the exam.  It's easier and faster to take off a blouse or sweater instead of removing a one-piece dress.

“Mammography is currently the most effective way of finding breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages,” Malloy reminds everyone. “It’s something you should remember to schedule once a year to protect yourself, and those you love.”