during a physical exam;) and completing breast self-exam-
inations, or regularly examining your breasts on your own.

Most importantly, if you notice a lump or any suspicious
changes in your breasts, don’t postpone seeking medi-
cal advice or treatment out of fear of what it might entail.

Here are some tips if the M-word still makes you want to
run and hide:
• ASk a trusted friend or family member to go with you to
your appointment. Offer to return the favor or take them
out to lunch as a thank you!
• Tell the technician that you’re nervous, especially if it’s
your first time. My tech put me at ease within minutes and
kept me laughing for most of the visit, and it made all the
difference. • If you’re concerned about pain, ask your doctor about tak-
ing a painkiller beforehand. He or she will know what to
recommend based on your medical record and history.

• Do some relaxation exercises while you wait. Take deep
breaths, do a guided meditation, stretch, listen to music,
read, or watch something that makes you laugh.

I hope you feel at ease whether you’re a first-timer or are
BFFs with your tech. As for my mammogram? I’m pleased to
report that the results were benign, and I don’t need to begin
regular screenings until I’m 40. Instead of dreading this rite
of passage, I feel grateful for a way to look after my health
and take care of a body that continues to take care of me. T
Helpful Links and Resources:
NIH National Cancer Institute:
cancer.gov/types/breast/mammograms-fact-sheet CDC:
cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/mammograms.htm cdc.gov/cancer/breast/pdf/breast-cancer-screening-
guidelines-508.pdf cdc.gov/cancer/breast/index.htm
Health Images: How Are Mammo-grams Done on
Small Breasts?
healthimages.com/how-are-mammograms-done-on- small-breasts/
Breastcancer.org: breastcancer.org/facts-statistics
breastcancer.org/screening-testing/breast-self-exam-bse Radiologyinfo.org:
Breast Ultrasound
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/breastus Cancer.org
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