Frequently asked questions about breast cancer screening
Q: At what age should I start getting breast cancer screening?
It is recommended that women in their 40s and older have regular breast cancer screening every two years.
However, breast cancer can also develop in women in their 20s and 30s, so if you are thought to be at high risk of breast cancer or are worried about it, you should get screened.
Those at high risk of breast cancer
*People who fit the following criteria do not necessarily develop breast cancer. Even those who do not fit the criteria may develop breast cancer.
Have a family member (grandparent, parent, sibling) who has had breast cancer or ovarian cancer
Early menarche (before age 11) and late menopause (over age 55)
- First birth is over 30 years old, or there is no experience of giving birth or breastfeeding
Postmenopausal obesity
● 40 years old or older
Have you ever had a breast disease (such as mastopathy) ?
Have had breast cancer
Smoking
Drink alcohol frequently
Q: When should I take the test during my menstrual cycle?
For those who have periods, the period between ovulation and the end of menstruation is not a good time for screening because the breasts are swollen. Breast cancer screening should be performed about one week after the end of menstruation. If you are postmenopausal, please make an appointment according to your own schedule.
Q: Should I have a mammogram or an ultrasound?
Mammography and ultrasound examinations each have different strengths. It is best to undergo both examinations if possible, but if you choose to have only one, your doctor will decide on the examination method based on your age, the state of development of the mammary glands, etc.
Q. Is there appropriate clothing to wear when undergoing breast cancer screening?
The examination will require you to change clothes frequently, so please come to the hospital wearing separate top and bottom clothes that are easy to take off.
Changing rooms and examination gowns are also available.
Q: Does a mammogram hurt?
Mammography is a painful examination due to the pressure it places on the breasts.
Breast compression is necessary to obtain clear images and reduce radiation exposure.
Pain varies from person to person, some people experience severe pain while others experience very little pain.
Those with developed mammary glands tend to experience more pain.
To reduce pain, try to visit the clinic when your breasts are as tender as possible. Also, the pain may increase if your body is stiff, so it is important to relax your shoulders as much as possible during the examination.
Q: Is the radiation exposure from a mammogram safe?
Please rest assured that the X-ray dose used in mammography (average glandular dose per image is 2mGy or less) is not high enough to affect the body. Of course, there is still a risk, so it is not okay to have the scan without thinking, but there is no need to worry too much.
Q: I have a family history of breast cancer. At what age should I start getting screened?
It is known that women who have a family history of breast cancer are more than twice as likely to develop breast cancer than women who do not. Conduct self-examinations once a month from a young age. If you are concerned, have regular breast cancer screenings after the age of 20.
Q: If I have had breast reconstruction or augmentation surgery, can I receive breast cancer screening?
If you have had breast reconstruction or augmentation surgery, please inform the doctor and staff before undergoing breast cancer screening. We will show you a screening method that does not pose the risk of damaging your implants.
Q: Is there anyone who cannot receive breast cancer screening?
Anyone can have an ultrasound scan.
If you fall under the following categories, you cannot have a mammogram:
Those who cannot undergo mammography
● Persons wearing medical devices that may be damaged by pressure during imaging (pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, catheters, VP shunts, CV ports, etc.)
Pregnant women and those who may be pregnant
● Those who are breastfeeding
*If you have undergone breast reconstruction or breast augmentation surgery, please consult with your doctor or staff in advance.
Q. How long does a breast cancer screening take?
● If only mammography is performed, the examination time is approximately 10 minutes.
● If only an ultrasound examination is performed, the examination time is approximately 15 minutes.
● Ultrasound + mammography takes approximately 30 minutes.
Q. Can I have a mammogram even if my breasts are small?
The size of your breasts will not affect your photography.
Q. When will I know the results of my breast cancer screening?
The results of your mammogram or ultrasound examination will be explained to you on the day after your examination.
*The results of the Sumida Ward medical examination will be available at a later date.
Q. If I am told during a breast cancer screening that further examination is required, does that mean it is breast cancer?
"Requires further examination" does not mean "breast cancer."
A medical examination alone cannot determine whether you have breast cancer, so more detailed testing is necessary. Get a detailed examination as soon as possible.