Take Pressure Out of Mammograms: Take a Friend

Want to have a super cool girls’ night out? How about some wine, snacks, a massage and a mammogram?

Women’s health centers across the nation are offering “mammogram parties” to Given a little notice, some of them will even customize an event for a large group.

Around the country, participants in these events are trading work clothes for plush robes and cocktails, offering support to other women to take a bit of the chill out of the annual mammogram.

“Anything that encourages women to get screening tests is a great idea,” said Susan Brown, a director of health education with the Susan G. Komen foundation.

National Mammography Day is Oct. 21. The date serves as a reminder to schedule a mammogram with a friend, sister, co-worker or a group of women. Test your knowledge of mammograms with this quiz.

“Mammography is an easy test that can save your life,” said Dr. Dahlia Sataloff, director of The Integrated Breast Cancer Center at Penn Hospital. “Why wouldn’t you do it?”

Tips from the American Cancer Society for when you have your mammogram:

• Everyone must have doctor’s order for a mammogram and money to pay or proof of insurance. Some places offering freebies have age restrictions (40 plus).
• Bring any past scans or dates and provider phone numbers for previous mammograms, biopsies, etc.
• Don’t wear deodorant, lotion, cream or powder as these things could interfere with a clear mammogram.
• The best time to go is one week after menstrual cycle ends—especially for women with tender breasts.

To read all of our stories on breast cancer awareness, visit our topics page.