Mammography is a safe method of examining breast tissue. It involves using a low dose x-ray to produce a high quality image on film. A specially licensed female technologist performs this exam. A radiologist then studies the films and will pinpoint any suspicious signs.

Mammograms are used for two reasons: to screen apparently normal breasts and to diagnose suspicious lumps.

Why Should You Have A Mammogram?
A mammogram could very well save your life.

Mammography, when combined with regular self-examinations and examinations by a doctor, has a greater than 90 percent success rate in detecting changes in breast tissue.

In the United States today, one woman out of every eight will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Odds are, you probably know someone personally who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55. The risk of breast cancer increases with age.

Breast cancer is considered a woman's disease, but men can also develop breast cancer.

The mortality rate for breast cancer would decrease by 30% if every woman over 50 was informed and followed the guidelines for screening mammograms.

An estimated 178,700 new cases of breast cancer among women and 1,600 cases among men are expected to be diagnosed this year.

According to the recent data, mortality rates continue to decline with the largest decreases in younger women. These decreases are likely to continue due to earlier detection and improved treatment.

Avoid the ostrich syndrome . . . burying your head in the sand will not prevent you from developing breast cancer. Early detection is the key to surviving it.

Preparing For A Mammogram
Please refrain from using any deodorants/antiperspirants, powders or creams on or around the breast area and underarms. These can sometimes leave a residue that can be picked up on the film.

Wear comfortable clothing, preferably a two-piece outfit since you only need to undress above the waist.

Reduce your caffeine intake for a week or two prior to your appointment if your breasts tend to become tender. Also, if you are still having menstrual periods, schedule your appointment for about 10 days after the onset of your period.

What To Expect
You will undress above the waist in a private room and will be given a hospital gown to wear. When you are ready, the examination will begin.

The mammographer will begin by asking you a series of questions, pertaining to your reproductive history, current symptoms if any, family history and so on. The mammographer will then explain the exam to you. Please feel free to ask any questions.

To insure that all the internal breast tissue is visualized, two x-rays from different angles will be done for each breast. It is important that the breast tissue be compressed for all of these views. Your breast will be placed against the x-ray plate, positioned by the mammographer, then firmly compressed with a plastic paddle. The compression may be slightly uncomfortable, but should not be painful. The compression is necessary to spread the breast tissue out in order to better visualize the internal structures and to reduce the amount of radiation needed.

After the x-rays have been taken, they will be checked for quality and positioning. A board -certified radiologist will then study your film and a report will be sent to your doctor in a day or two.

Physician Referral or Self-Referral
If you are not having any suspicious symptoms, physician-referral or self-referral is your choice. Rumford Hospital is one of the few hospitals in Maine to offer women self-referred mammograms. To put it simply, you may call Central Scheduling to make your own appointment for a screening mammogram. A doctor's order is not necessary. You have the ability to take control of scheduling your mammograms yearly, or every other year, depending upon your age and other risk factors. The results will be mailed directly to you and your family doctor. If you do not have a family doctor, we will provide a list of area doctors for you to choose from, should follow-up care be necessary.

To Schedule An Appointment
Call 207-369-1131

For your convenience, we have evening hours.

American Cancer Society's Guidelines
The self-referral program is a screening program that follows the American Cancer Society's guidelines for early detection. These guidelines are as follows:

• A screening mammogram every year for women 40 and over.
• If you have found a lump in your breast, or are experiencing any suspicious symptoms, you should notify your doctor immediately. He or she will order the appropriate tests for you.

Payment
We will process the paperwork for your mammogram to private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and approved HMO plans. Please review your insurance plan for covered services. If, after you receive your explanation of benefits, you have questions, please call our business office during business hours.

Any Questions
We encourage you to call the Radiology Department at Rumford Hospital with your questions. Our staff of qualified professionals is ready to answer your questions. Rumford Hospital is an American College of Radiology accredited and FDA certified mammography facility. We are dedicated to helping you in your quest for early detection.

For more information, call:
Rumford Hospital Radiology Department
207-369-1125
Ask for: Jackie Moore, R.T.R.M.
Karen Welch, R.T.R.M.
Jean Soubble, R.T.R.M.