Mammograms are an important part of being proactive about your health. However, they can come with a lot of anxiety and fear due to the prevalence of breast cancer in women in the United States. The wait for your results may seem like an eternity, but it’s important to stay calm after your appointment. Below you will find helpful information on the right time to call after a mammogram, in addition to ways to keep yourself busy in the meantime.
Right Time to Call After a Mammogram
The average wait time for results post-mammogram is two weeks. You can talk with your provider before you leave your appointment to determine the amount of time their specific office takes to provide patients with results. Being proactive about your health is a great quality as early detection is a major indicator on the outcomes of a variety of medical conditions. However, when it turns into anxiety and stress, it can be more harmful to your health due to the impact of stress and your health.
If your provider doesn’t give you a timeframe for your results, call two weeks after the appointment. Until that two-week mark, it’s important to focus on other things. This can help pass the time until you get a call back. One way to get your results back quicker is by getting 3D mammography in Houston as they are more technologically advanced than traditional mammograms. Talk with your provider to see if you can get a 3D mammogram.
Anxiety and Mammograms
It’s completely understandable to have anxiety and fears about the results of your mammogram. However, putting yourself through stress until you get your results back can be really taxing. One of the best ways to get through the two weeks is to stay busy with other activities. If you have any free time in your calendar, spend time focusing on your mental health and do some self-care activities that will help get your mind in a more peaceful place. Whether its exercise, meditation, watching your favorite show, or a massage, it’s important to invest in yourself and your mental health.
When you finally do get the phone call regarding your results, it’s important to be prepared. Most likely you will get one of two answers. News that your results are in and that you are healthy is great and can be a huge weight off of your shoulders. Be sure and ask your provider when you should schedule your next appointment. On the other hand, your provider may ask you to come in for additional testing. This is not always a bad thing as a mammogram is only one of the many diagnostic tools. Some women need additional testing just to ensure that they are healthy. Mentally preparing yourself for the news is important, which is why it’s important to focus on stress management until you get your results.
Breast Cancer Risk and Mammograms
Because breast cancer is prevalent among women, it is crucial to stay current with your mammogram appointments. Life can get busy, and you may want to put it off, but it’s worth your time in terms of the long-term benefits of your health. You should have your first mammogram by forty so long as you are not high risk. For those at a higher risk for breast cancer (due to family history), you’ll likely need to begin sooner. This is something you should talk with your medical provider about a family history can play a huge factor in your health.
Instead of putting off your appointment, schedule a breast cancer screening in Houston. The team at Pink Door Imaging are skilled in breast and gynecological imaging, including 3D mammograms. Contact their office today for an appointment!