A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast taken with a special machine by trained technologists. Your breast will be positioned between two plastic plates and pressure is then applied to flatten the breast for a good, clear picture. Some discomfort may occur, but it only lasts a few seconds. A specially trained physician, called a radiologist, then reads the results of the procedure.
16 Checks In is a simple reminder that a regular breast self-exam is an important step for the early detection of breast cancer.
Here's how it works:
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. It is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. If breast cancer is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, the chance of a cure is greater than 85%. Know the warning signs of breast cancer and the guidelines for breast health.