Have you been advised by a doctor to go for a mammogram screening or do you feel that you are reaching an age where having a mammogram will put your mind at ease? You may then be wondering where you can go for a mammogram Los Angeles and what they entail.

What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is the standard approach used to screen for breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that if you are at an average risk of getting breast cancer that you should begin to get a mammogram every year from the age of 45. If by the time you reach the age of 55 and your mammogram results have all been clear then you can start to have less regular screenings and arrange the for every other year. If though through personal choice and just for your peace of mind you can choose to have a mammogram as early as 40 years of age.

What to expect when having a Mammogram?

When you arrive, you will be asked to undress from the waist up and will also be given a gown to wear. On the day of your mammogram it is important that you do not wear deodorant, lotions, oils, or perfumes as these will interfere with the machine. During the mammogram, their will be yourself and a trained technician who will be the only ones allowed in to the exam room.

Do you get Mammogram results straight away?

Having a mammogram can be a daunting experience and you will probably be waiting with baited breath for your results but there is usually a wait for the results. You can usually expect the results of a screening mammogram within two weeks. However if you have already had a screening and you have been asked to return for a follow up test, you may get the results before you leave the appointment. If you don’t get your results within 2 weeks, then you can be sure to follow up by contacting your doctor or the mammography center.

How accurate is a mammogram?

A mammogram screening can accurately detect and diagnose breast cancer in about 78 percent of all women tested. The diagnostic accuracy rises to about 83 percent when you go for a mammogram over the age of 50. Mammograms have been greatly improved due to expansion in technology and they can usually detect breast abnormalities before they can be felt in a breast exam.

Whatever reason you have for going for a mammogram you have no need to feel anxious or worried, the detection rate is promising and because of advanced technology it is highly likely that any breast abnormalities will be detected during your mammogram. The best thing you can do is make sure you arrange your appointment every year, this way you can ensure that any chance of detecting breast abnormalities can be picked up early. Doing this will help to increase your chances of recovery.