 Close Encounters With Mammography -
63 year old retired schoolteacher and pensioner, Mdm S K Soo talks to Radiology Malaysia about her experience participating in the Subsidised Mammogram Programme 2002 (SMP2002) A mammogram? I never really considered having one at all. Yes, I had read about the mammograms, the controversies surrounding mammography as well as the stories of how painful this procedure could be! “No apprehension about the mammogram…”
So how did I land myself into this situation? I have to thank the caring insistence of two doctors, each of whom told me I was eligible for the MMA Foundation Radiology Fund and College of Radiology’s Subsidised Mammogram Programme 2002. I finally picked up the telephone to call one of the hotlines provided. Fortunately when I had made up my mind to get a mammogram, I had no real apprehension about the procedure at all, and I did manage to sleep the night before the appointed date. “Too much touching involved”…
I was glad it was done by a lady mammographer. I would not want it done by a male mammographer as there was just too much “touching” involved in the mammogram procedure. “The mammogram is no big deal at all…”
I was pleasantly surprised the whole process of the mammogram turned out better than what I had been told or had heard from others! I thought it was probably because my breasts were not that big. The oblique view was slightly more painful than the straight compression view but the most important fact is that, it was very tolerable. Nothing at all like some of the descriptions I had heard! It’s just no big deal. In fact, just as the doctor “ordered” I approached the examination in a positive way and just stayed relaxed. “I would recommend the mammogram…”
Would I recommend it to other women? Yes, definitely, if it was necessary for them, they should go for it! “The SMP2002 benefits pensioners and those less financially well off…”
I really appreciate the efforts of the MMA Foundation Radiology Fund and College of Radiology’s efforts to organise a Subsidised Mammogram Programme as it really benefits the pensioners and those not financially well off. I was pleasantly surprised that I also had my ultrasound done (since the radiologist reading the mammograms felt this was necessary in my case) and I also received counselling on breast health at no extra cost to me! “My mammogram’s normal!”
At the end of the session, I was told that the mammogram was normal but that since the mammogram is not 100% accurate, I would still need to be breast aware and try to do self breast examination (look and feel) with the proper technique, just once a month and ensure I got my regular physical examination with my regular doctor. I received some materials to help me get onto the healthy breast routine as well as a fridge magnet. I am glad I took that big step towards getting my mammogram, finally at 63 years of age! It’s never too late to take charge of your breast health. | 
