PREPARING FOR A MAMMOGRAM

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

It's time for me to go for my annual Mammogram again. It's really an easy thing to do so I don't know why I used to put it off all the time. I remembered this advice I found a few years ago that made me feel so much better and at ease about it.

Many women are afraid of their first mammogram, but there's no need to worry. By taking a few minutes each day for a week preceding the exam, and doing the following practice exercises, you will be totally prepared. And you can do this right in your own home!

Yes, I did have my mammogram today, why do you ask?

Exercise 1: 

Open your refrigerator door and insert one breast between the door and the main box. Have one of your strongest friends slam the door shut and lean on the door for good measure. Hold that position for five seconds (while you hold your breath). Repeat again, in case the first time wasn't effective enough. 

Exercise 2:

Visit your garage at 3 am when the temperature of the cement floor is just perfect. Take off your clothes and lie comfortably on the floor with one breast wedged under the rear tire of the car. Ask a friend to slowly back the car up until your breast is sufficiently flattened and chilled. Turn over and repeat for the other br

east.

Exercise 3:

Freeze two metal bookends overnight. Strip to the waist. Invite a stranger into the room. Press the bookends against one of your breasts. Smash the bookends together as hard as you can. Set an appointment with the stranger to meet next year and do it again!!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Now you have nothing at all to worry about 

when you go for your Mammogram!

Hey, I hope this made you laugh, but it IS just a joke. Mammograms are quick and easy and could save your life.

• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that for women younger than 50 years of age, the decision about when to start regular screening with mammograms every 2 years should be an individual one.¹ This decision should be based on her situation, her individual risk, and what she prefers.
• Some organizations recommend women have mammograms every 1 to 2 years, starting at age 40.

For women older than age 50, regular mammograms are recommended.

• The USPSTF recommends routine mammograms every 2 years for women ages 50 to 74.
• Some organizations recommend women have yearly mammograms for as long as they are in good health

Women age 75 and older may want to talk to their doctors about whether they need breast cancer screening.

Your doctor may recommend testing at a younger age if you have risk factors for breast cancer.