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Contact: Amy Blaser

(COLUMBUS, Neb.) – You take good care of your health by eating right, exercising and reducing stress.
But are you also undergoing regular mammograms? If not, you could be overlooking a vital form of selfcare.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a low-dose breast X-ray. Medical experts say it’s the most effective way to look for
changes in the breasts that could eventually become cancerous. Mammograms can find signs of cancer
years before symptoms — such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge — show up. Breast cancer that is
caught at an earlier stage is easier to treat.

Women who catch breast cancer early are:

• Less likely to need aggressive treatments such as mastectomy. Mastectomy is the surgical removal of
  the breast.
• Less likely to need chemotherapy.
• More likely to be cured.

Simply put, mammograms can save lives. Talk with your doctor about having regular mammograms
starting at age 40.

What happens during a mammogram?

After you check in, you will remove your shirt and bra and put on a loose-fitting top that opens in the
front. The technician will give you wipes so you can remove all traces of deodorant, antiperspirant,
lotion, powder or perfume from your breasts and underarms. These products can show up on the
images.

Next, you'll enter the mammography room. Before you get started, be sure to tell the technician if you
think you may be pregnant or if you have breast implants.

The technician will guide you into the right position in front of the machine and gently place your breast
on its surface. They will place a plastic plate on top and press down to compress your breast tissue,
which will create the highest-quality pictures.

The technician will ask you to be still while they take the X-rays. The compression can be uncomfortable
but does not last long.

At Columbus Community Hospital, you will typically receive your results before you leave the facility, but
at a minimum, you will receive your results by mail within 30 days. The facility also will send the results
to your doctor. If you have questions about your report, you can talk with your doctor.

Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer
Institute; U.S. Food and Drug Administration