Getting a mammogram is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. For some, it may be uncomfortable or simply tough to fit into a busy schedule. But making the time and prioritizing your health is worth the effort. In most cases, the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.
If you’ve just had a mammogram, you may be wondering what will happen next. You can expect to receive your results in as little as one week and no later than 30 days after your test date. Don’t assume your test is negative (or cancer-free) if you don’t hear anything back. All practices must share patients’ results within 30 days, but if they don’t call you within 10 days, you can contact your healthcare provider (HCP) to see if your results are ready.
While you’re waiting for your results, or even if you’ve already received them, here are four steps you can take to help keep your breasts healthy year-round:
Practice breast self-awareness
This means being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel and contacting your HCP if you notice any changes.
Take signs and symptoms seriously
Even if you test negative, it’s possible for cancers to develop between mammograms—or for cancers not to show up on mammograms (this is called a false negative). That’s why it’s important to know how your breasts normally look and feel and to be aware of changes or signs of breast cancer—and to tell your HCP if you experience any of them.
Examples: Developing a new lump in your breast or underarm, pain or redness, a dimple or indentation on the surface of your breast, nipple discharge or changes to the skin of your breast.
“If you develop breast cancer symptoms, you will be the first to know,” says Jessica Wells, PhD, RN, assistant professor at Emory School of Nursing in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in women’s health and cancer prevention. “That means you have to be the biggest advocate for your body. Be familiar with your breasts. Be familiar with your body. And if you experience any new or unfamiliar breast changes, tell your provider.”
Avoid alcohol and tobacco
These are known cancer-causing substances. If you don’t drink, it’s best not to start. If you do drink, do so only in moderation. That means women should have no more than one drink per day; men should have no more than two.
In the United States, a single drink contains 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol. This is the equivalent of 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces (aka, a shot) of liquor, such as gin, vodka, tequila, or whiskey.
Keep in mind, many people exceed these portions but still think they’ve had only one drink. And different types of beer, wine, and liquor also contain different amounts of alcohol. If you have a drink, be aware of its alcohol content. As for tobacco, no amount is considered safe. If you’re ready to get help quitting, Sharecare has tools and resources that can help. Visit the Quit Center to learn more.
Set realistic weight loss goals
Being overweight increases your breast cancer risk. Working toward a healthy weight can seem overwhelming, especially if your goal is far from where you are now. But breaking it down into small, everyday habits can help make weight loss possible. Try walking a little more each day or adding one fresh fruit or vegetable to every meal.
Above all, keep in touch with your HCP about maintaining a regular breast cancer screening routine that makes sense for you. If you have other risk factors for breast cancer that make you more likely to develop the disease, you may need more frequent screenings. These may include:
- Being older than 55 years of age
- Having dense breast tissue
- Having close family members or relatives who were ever diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer
- Getting your first period before the age of 12 or going through menopause after age 55
- Not ever giving birth or having your first child at an older age
“Breast cancer screening is for your health and for your benefit,” says Wells. “Cancer that’s caught early has the best prognosis, and a lot of things that are found on screenings are not always cancer. So, it’s always best to get it checked out.”
Rose Hayes, MA, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in patient education and nursing innovation. She is Director of Engagement at Emory School of Nursing.
