What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is the process of taking an x-ray of the breasts to look for any indication that there may be some sign or symptom of breast cancer and in New Zealand there is a free breast screening service available for women between 45-69 years of age.

While women under 45 do not usually benefit from regular mammograms as the detection rate is poor and the risk of breast cancer is low, the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation recommends women between 40 and 50 have a mammogram every year and twice yearly from age 50 years.

When you have a mammogram done, generally two x-rays of each breast will be taken.

While mammograms often detect tumours that are present but cannot be felt, they are not 100% accurate. A few will pass undetected and approximately 90% to 95% of breast cancers are detected with mammograms. According to the American Cancer Society, women with regular mammograms reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer by more than 60%.

Breast Cancer a Major Cause of Death in NZ Women
For women in the 25-44 age group the leading cause of death is cancer and 1 in 3 of these deaths are from breast cancer.  Among women in the 45 to 64 age group, over half of deaths are from cancer with breast cancer being most common.  Statistics NZ

The diagnostic mammogram
A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that is used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found. Signs of breast cancer may include pain, skin thickening, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram also may be used to evaluate changes found during a screening mammogram, or to view breast tissue when it is difficult to obtain a screening mammogram because of special circumstances, such as the presence of breast implants.

How to prepare for a mammogram?
Make your mammogram appointment one week after your period. Your breasts hurt less after your period.
Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam.
Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How is the procedure performed?
You will be asked to undress from the waist up.  The technician will position you in front of an x-ray machine to take images your breasts by placing your breasts (one at a time) between two plastic plates. The plates press your breast and make it flat, (its not very comfortable). The routine views are a top-to-bottom view and a side view. The process is repeated for the other breast.

The examination process should take about half an hour. When the mammography is completed you will be asked to wait until the technologist examines the images to determine if more are needed.
About 70% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer survive it and the earlier a cancer is found, the better a woman’s chances are of getting effective treatment.

Alternatives
While many argue that breast cancer, or any cancer is a lifestyle disease, the primary alternative to getting breast cancer is to keep yourself in tip top shape, mentally, physically and emotionally... Well for most this is well nigh impossible. So what do you do?
Breast massage - yes its simple, its old fashioned, but its also very practical. It helps you to keep in touch with your body so you will notice any changes and get medical advice. After all, breast cancer is indiscriminate, it kills women of all ages and self examination is less expensive than paying for a mammogram.