Your Breast Health

Having your mammogram

Starting at age 40, the American Cancer Society recommends you receive mammograms every year. Women under age 40 with a family history of breast cancer or other concerns should talk with their healthcare provider.

Learn more about the mammography team in Carle Breast Imaging »

It is also important to understand common warning signs and risk factors for breast cancer.

Warning signs of breast cancer may include:

• A lump or thickening in or near the beast or in the underarm.
• A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea.
• A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast.
• Nipple discharge or tenderness, or the nipple is pulled back or inverted into the breast.
• A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, red or inflamed).
• Ridges or pitting of the breast; the skin looks like the skin of an orange.

Source: National Cancer Institute

Some risk factors for breast cancer include:

• Family history or personal history of breast cancer.
• Using hormone therapy after menopause.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Lack of exercise.
• Use of alcohol.
• Not having children or having them later in life.
• Recent use of birth control pills.

Source: American Cancer Society

When it's time for your mammogram, contact your primary care physician for a referral to Breast Imaging at Mills Breast Cancer Institute. 

Tips for Your Test

• On the day of your mammogram, do not use any deodorant, lotion, cream or powder on your underarms or breasts.
• Try to schedule your mammogram for the week after your period ends.
• Before the mammogram, tell the breast imaging staff if you have any problems with your breasts.
• Consider taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen before your mammogram.

Self-Exams at Home

Starting in their 20s, women should do the following monthly breast self-exams to look for any changes that should be discussed with a physician.

Lying down:

• Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder.
• Use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to check your right breast.
• Press using light, medium and firm pressure in a circle without lifting your fingers off the skin.
• Follow an up and down pattern.
• Feel for changes in your breast, armpit and above and below your collarbone.
• Repeat on your left breast using your right hand.
• These steps may be repeated while bathing or showering.

Standing in front of mirror:

• Hold arms at your side.
• Hold arms over head.
• Press your hands on your hips and tighten your chest muscles.
• Bend forward with your hands on your hips.

Talk to your physician if you notice a lump, swelling, dimpling, discoloration, pain or anything else that doesn't seem normal.

Breast Discomfort

Breast pain and tenderness are common problems. For some women, breast discomfort coincides with their menstrual period, but for others, it may be constant.

To ease breast discomfort:

• Make sure your bra provides proper support. Wearing a bra at night and avoiding bras with underwire may help ease pain.
• Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine.
• Decrease the amount of sodium in your diet the week before your period starts.
• Limit your fat intake, including fried foods and red meat.
• Talk to your physician about over-the-counter medications or vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements.

Preparing for your appointment

To prepare for an appointment, please remember to:

• Confirm the date, time and location of your appointment, and the provider you will see.
• Bring medical records and/or films from any other non-Carle facility.
• Bring a list of questions for your provider.
• Call the nurse navigator at (217) 383-6636 with any questions.

Additional helpful hints:

• Be prepared to be on the Carle campus for 1-4 hours (wireless access for laptops and reading material are available for waiting time in between appointments, but you may bring your own; complimentary coffee and tea are available, as well as self-service cafeteria and coffee shop).
• Bring a loved one for support.
• Bring a notebook to take notes during your time with the physician.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to change in and out of.