Getting a mammogram should be a regular part of most women’s lives. But for many, the process brings with it high levels of stress. Even when problematic tissues are not found, and the results are clear, many women still struggle with feelings of anxiousness, tension, and even high blood pressure during this time.
While this is a normal response, reducing this stress response can help women continue leading fulfilling lives in the interim. The anxiety surrounding a mammogram can occur before, during, or after the appointment, or a mix of all three.
Knowing why this stress occurs and what to do about it can ease the minds of patients and make mammography a more approachable part of life.
Why (and When) the Stress Hits
The human stress response is a built-in reaction to situations that may be perceived to cause harm. As a result, it is expected to feel stress during and after many medical procedures, including mammograms. Many people also feel anxiety before dental visits, general practitioner appointments, or even blood draws.
Depending on who is being studied, somewhere between 41% and 69% of women undergoing a mammogram report feeling stress at some point during the process. If this describes you, you are not alone.
Before a Mammogram
Patients often feel stress prior to their mammogram appointment due to:
- Difficulties fitting an appointment into their busy schedules
- Unfamiliarity with the mammogram process
- Anticipation of negative outcomes
- Fear of pain or discomfort
During a Mammogram
Within the mammogram procedure itself, women can continue to feel stressed by:
- Perceived pain or discomfort
- Confusion over unclear instructions
- Being in a medical environment (sounds, smells, etc.)
- Working with a practitioner whose personality they do not align with
After a Mammogram
The period following a mammogram is typically associated with the highest levels of stress. There are many reasons for this, including:
- Fear of negative results, such as a cancer diagnosis
- Anticipation of a scheduled callback
- Nervousness while waiting for result reporting
Ways to Cope With Anxiety and Stress Surrounding a Mammogram
Mammograms might be a stressful time, but much of that anxiety often comes from fear of the unknown. Relieving anxiety requires that patients learn more about the process. Many patients report a significant decrease in anxiety when they know why it is essential and what to expect.
Understand the reality: One of the most important things patients can do to ease their stress about getting a mammogram is to keep themselves grounded in reality. Depending on location and other factors, only around six out of 1,000 patients who undergo mammograms will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer. Patients have a high chance of a favorable outcome.- Look to the future: For some, the realization that their chance of breast cancer is low does not help ease stress. However, keep in mind that even among those who are diagnosed with breast cancer, mammography can catch it while it is very new and easier to treat. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is over 90%, and when it is caught early, that rate climbs to 99%. The vast majority of patients will make a full recovery.
- Embrace coping strategies: Some women look at the statistics and find that their stress levels do not change. Try being compassionate to yourself during this time. Keep thoughts balanced and try not to let them spiral out of control; bear in mind, any adverse outcomes causing stress have not happened yet, and the odds are that they will not. Speak to friends, enjoy hobbies, and reschedule any significant projects or other stress sources until the mammography results are ready.
- Choose how to get results: Waiting for results can be one of the most stressful aspects of mammography. However, now that technology allows online portals, the results are uploaded for patient access. Choose whether checking the patient portal or waiting for a doctor callback works better for you. Some people want to know right away and check the portal. Still, this information may be full of medical jargon that patients could misinterpret. Waiting for a doctor’s call could take an extra day or two. However, it might provide information that is easier to understand and a recommendation of what to do next.
Get Compassionate Care From a Friendly Mammography Team
Mammography is meant to find problematic tissues in the breast. It is normal for women to feel stress while anticipating what might happen if the results are concerning. Bear in mind, even if a mass is spotted in the breast, chances are it is harmless.
To help manage your stress, work with a medical team that treats you with sensitivity and compassion. Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today to schedule your mammogram.