October – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Early Detection is the Best Protection!

During the month of October, we have emphasized how important it is to get regular check ups for early detection of breast lumps. After the age of 40, it is important for women to get annual mammograms. Unfortunately, women sometimes delay having this test done. There are different reasons for this delay, including fear of the unknown, stories about how much it hurts, or even fear of finding a lump.

Let’s discuss mammograms and the highly skilled health care professionals that carry out this test. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast tissue. A professional who is trained in this procedure is a mammographer -- a radiologic (x-ray) technologist, who takes x-ray pictures and has received additional specialized training to take x-ray pictures of breast tissue.

A mammographer begins with a course of study to become a radiologic technologist. This course of study is approved by the American Medical Association and can last from two to four years. Upon successful completion of this training, the individual can choose to take one of the two different qualifying exams, either the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist Exam or the State Licensing Exam. Most individuals in this health care field choose to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist exam since it is accepted by every state that requires a license to practice.

Research shows that most mammographers have an average of 3 years of clinical experience as a radiologic technologist, before obtaining additional skills for mammography. Being a mammographer requires not only keen technical skills but also a high degree of empathy and sensitivity to the patient’s needs. Only those technologists who have demonstrated these attributes will succeed and be happy as a mammographer. Not every radiologic technologist is suited to be a mammographer.

Once the technologist has decided to make mammography part of their career the training begins all over again. Each candidate must complete a specific course of documented training that can take up to a year or more. Even when the candidate has met strict regulatory requirements for mammography, the learning does not stop. Every three years she must show that she has obtained the required amount of ongoing education and training in order to continue performing mammograms.

Additionally, the mammographer may elect to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist, Mammography Registry Examination. This is a voluntary step and is not yet a requirement for performing mammography. It demonstrates a higher standard of practice. At North Country Hospital, the nine technologists who do mammograms have taken this extra step and successfully completed this exam. You can rest assured that the mammography technologist performing your mammogram at North Country Hospital will provide the highest quality exam obtainable and will treat you with dignity and respect

The art and practical application of mammography is highly regulated in the US by the federal government and the American College of Radiology. Without accreditation by these two certifying organizations, hospitals or other healthcare organizations cannot offer mammography. North Country Hospital is accredited by both agencies. The certificates and seals are on display in the Diagnostic Imaging Services waiting room.

Finally, getting a mammogram doesn't have to be an unpleasant experience. Not every woman finds the procedure uncomfortable, but if you do, these suggestions will help:

Tips for a More Comfortable Mammogram

1. Schedule your exam during the time in your menstrual cycle when your breasts are the least tender. For most women, this is within the first two weeks after your period ends.
2. Decrease or eliminate your intake of caffeine, like coffee, for a week before the exam. Some research shows that this can help.
3. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever about an hour beforehand. Use it afterward, too, if needed.
4. Speak up if you feel uncomfortable during the procedure. As the patient, you are in control of the exam. The breast is compressed against the x-ray plate to improve accuracy, but it can be adjusted. The technologist giving the exam can help make you comfortable without sacrificing the effectiveness of the mammogram

Remember that finding a breast lump does not mean that cancer has been found. But with breast cancer, early detection is the best protection. It means that treatment will be started in an early stage and chances of survival will be greater. Talk with your health care provider about mammography and how often you should be screened. Your health care provider will also help you to schedule your appointment.

For more information about breast cancer, the importance of regular check ups and local resources, call Joanne Fedele, RN, Community Health Planner at North Country Health System -- 334-3208. Call during the month of October and receive a free gift!