Kuruman Mammography

20/08/2026

Do you know the difference between an ultrasound and a mammogram?

🎀 Ultrasound
Best at telling whether a lump is fluid-filled or solid, and it is especially useful for women with dense breast tissue or to investigate a specific area of concern.

🎀 Mammogram
Best at detecting tiny calcium deposits (microcalcifications), which can be the earliest sign of breast cancer, sometimes years before a lump can be felt.

What each test is best at:

Mammogram :
📌Finds early cancers before symptoms
📌Detects microcalcifications
📌Best screening test from age 40+
📌Uses low-dose X-rays

Ultrasound :
📌Evaluates a lump or painful area
📌Distinguishes cysts from solid masses
📌Excellent additional imaging tool
📌Uses sound waves (no radiation)

Think of it like this:
🎀 A mammogram is like a wide-angle screening tool that can spot very early warning signs.

🎀 Ultrasound is like a close-up inspection tool that provides more detail about something already seen or felt. Together, they give the most complete assessment.

14/08/2026

Do you know your breasts?
Understanding the basic anatomy of the breast helps make mammograms easier to understand

31/07/2026

Happy Friday!
Have you ever heard these myths? Let's bust some!

24/07/2026

23/07/2026

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast used to look for signs of breast cancer and other breast changes. It can detect abnormalities before they can be felt as a lump.

During the exam, the radiologist looks for things such as:

Masses or lumps: These may be benign (noncancerous), such as cysts or fibroadenomas, or they may be suspicious for cancer.
Calcifications: Tiny calcium deposits in the breast. Most are harmless, but certain patterns of very small, clustered calcifications can be an early sign of breast cancer.
Changes in breast tissue: Areas of distortion, thickening, or asymmetry that weren't present on previous mammograms.

Signs of early breast cancer: Mammograms can often detect cancers when they are very small, before symptoms develop.

There are two main types:
Screening mammogram: Performed routinely in people without breast symptoms to look for early cancer.
Diagnostic mammogram: Done when there is a breast symptom (such as a lump, ni**le discharge, or pain) or to investigate an abnormal screening mammogram. It includes additional views focused on the area of concern.

After the mammogram, the results are usually reported using the BI-RADS system, which ranges from:
0: More imaging needed.
1: Normal.
2: Benign (noncancerous) finding.
3: Probably benign; short-term follow-up recommended.
4: Suspicious; biopsy may be recommended.
5: Highly suggestive of cancer.
6: Known biopsy-proven cancer.

It's important to remember that most abnormal mammograms do not turn out to be cancer. Many findings are caused by benign conditions, but additional imaging (such as an ultrasound or diagnostic mammogram) or, less commonly, a biopsy may be needed to determine what the abnormality is.

21/07/2026

A breast self-examination helps you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. It should not replace regular mammograms or clinical breast exams, but it can help you notice changes early.

How to perform a breast self-exam
1. Look in the mirror With your arms at your sides, then raised above your head, look for:
Changes in breast size or shape
Skin dimpling or puckering
Redness or swelling
A ni**le that has turned inward
Ni**le discharge (especially if bloody)

2. Feel your breasts while standing or in the shower Using the pads of your three middle fingers:
Keep your fingers flat and make small circular motions.
Cover the entire breast using a pattern (circles, up-and-down lines, or wedge pattern).
Use light, medium, and firm pressure.
Don't forget the armpit area and up to the collarbone.

3. Feel your breasts while lying down
Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right hand behind your head.
Use your left hand to examine your right breast.
Repeat on the other side.

What to look for:
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
A new lump or thickened area
Changes in the size or shape of a breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Redness or warmth that doesn't go away
Ni**le discharge, especially if bloody
A ni**le that becomes inverted
Persistent pain in one area of the breast

When should you do it?
If you still have periods: About 3–5 days after your period ends, when your breasts are least tender.
If you've gone through menopause: Choose the same day each month (for example, the 1st of every month).

Remember, most breast changes are not cancer, but it's always important to have any new or unusual change checked by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early detection can make a significant difference.

15/07/2026

Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for a mammogram:

🎀Before the appointment

📌Schedule wisely if possible: If you still have menstrual cycles, try to avoid the week before your period when breasts may be more tender.

📌Bring prior images/results: If this is your first visit at a new imaging center, bring previous mammogram records or have them transferred ahead of time.

📌Tell them about symptoms: Mention any lumps, pain, ni**le discharge, skin changes, implants, pregnancy possibility, breastfeeding, or prior breast surgery.

📌Check insurance/referral requirements: Some centers require a doctor’s order, depending on the type of mammogram and your location.

🎀On the day of the mammogram

📌Do not wear deodorant, lotion, powder, or perfume on your chest or underarms. These can show up on images.

📌Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to remove your top.

📌Avoid necklaces or large chest jewelry.

📌If you’re concerned about discomfort, some people take an over-the-counter pain reliever about an hour beforehand (if normally safe for you).

🎀During the exam

📌The technologist will position one breast at a time on the imaging plate and briefly compress it.

📌Compression lasts only a few seconds per image but can feel uncomfortable or tight.

📌The whole visit is often around 20–30 minutes; the imaging itself is usually much shorter.

🎀Afterward

📌Most people can resume normal activities immediately.

📌Results may come the same day or within several days, depending on the center.

📌Being called back for additional images is fairly common and does not automatically mean cancer.

06/07/2026

💗 Early detection saves lives. 💗
Take just 5 minutes for yourself today – it could make all the difference.

Here’s how to do a self-check at home:
1️⃣ Look in the mirror for changes in size, shape, or skin.
2️⃣ Raise your arms – check for dimpling or unusual changes.
3️⃣ Feel your breasts in circular motions – cover all areas.
4️⃣ Repeat lying down for a deeper check.
5️⃣ If you notice changes, consult your doctor.

02/07/2026

What to Expect After Your Mammogram

🧠 1. What Happens After Your Mammogram?

Your mammogram images are carefully reviewed by a radiologist—a doctor who specializes in reading medical images. They check for:

Lumps or masses

Areas of density or asymmetry

Tiny calcium deposits (calcifications)

Changes compared to previous scans

📬 2. When Will I Get My Results?

Most people receive results within a few days to 2 weeks.

You may be notified via:

A letter

An online patient portal

A phone call (especially if follow-up is needed)

✅ 3. Understanding Your Results

✔️ Normal (Negative) Result

No signs of cancer or abnormal tissue were found.

You’ll continue with routine screening—usually every 1–2 years depending on your age and risk factors.

⚠️ Inconclusive or Abnormal Result

Doesn’t mean you have cancer!

May be due to:

Dense or overlapping breast tissue

Benign (non-cancerous) changes

Image clarity issues

Follow-up imaging may be needed to take a closer look.

🔍 4. Possible Follow-Up Tests

If more information is needed, your care team might recommend:

Diagnostic mammogram – additional, more focused images

Breast ultrasound – to examine lumps or dense tissue

MRI scan – for more detailed imaging (less common)

Biopsy – only if a suspicious area needs lab testing

👩‍⚕️ 5. What Should I Do Now?

Wait for your results – contact the clinic if you don’t receive them within 2 weeks.

Follow any instructions from your doctor if additional tests are needed.

Keep a record of your results and schedule your next screening as advised.

📞 Need Help or Have Questions?

Reach out to your healthcare provider or breast imaging center for:

Clarification on your results

Scheduling follow-up appointments

General breast health advice

💖 Remember: Most mammogram follow-ups do not lead to a cancer diagnosis. Early detection is key—and staying informed helps you take charge of your health!

22/06/2026

🎀 WHY IS A MAMMOGRAM SO IMPORTANT? 🎀

A mammogram is more than just a screening test—it is one of the most effective tools for detecting breast cancer early, often before any signs or symptoms appear.
💗 Early detection saves lives.

A mammogram can:
✔️ Detect breast cancer before a lump can be felt
✔️ Increase treatment options and success rates
✔️ Help identify changes in breast tissue early
✔️ Provide peace of mind when results are normal

Many women diagnosed in the early stages of breast cancer have a much better chance of successful treatment and recovery.

👩‍⚕️ If you are 40 years or older, an annual mammogram is recommended as part of your routine healthcare.

Don't wait until you notice a problem. Make your health a priority today.

📞 Book your mammogram appointment: 076 093 7818
📍 Kuruman Mammography
Dr. Jeffrey Swartzberg, Inc.

💕 Because early detection could save your life.

🎗️