Csrlivewell Podcast

Dr. Karen Wash, Diagnostic Radiologist and lead breast interpreting physician for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System, discusses overcoming fears associated with mammograms, 3D mammograms, and the latest sta tistics related to breast cancer. Compression Pain Many women put off mammograms because of the discomfort involved in the screening. There may be a bit of pain during compression, but it only lasts a few seconds and the benefits far outweigh the few seconds of discomfort. The best time to get a mammogram for women who are still menstruating is one week after the menstrual cycle starts. That is when the breasts are least tender. Women can also take a pain reliever like Tylenol an hour before the screening to help reduce pain. Radiation Exposure The amount of radiation exposure from a mammogram is .4 mSv. We are exposed to a certain amount of background radiation in our environment on a daily basis. Radiation from a mammogram is equivalent to about seven weeks worth of daily exposure. Overcoming the Fear of