The majority of test results reveal that nothing is wrong.
“The chances of it being cancer are really very small,” said Kathy McCarthy, breast cancer coordinator for Miami Valley Hospital.
Fortunately, the time frame you have for worrying is getting smaller.
“For diagnostic mammograms, the patient does not typically leave our center before hearing results,” McCarthy said.
For biopsies, the time frame is extended, but most women still shouldn’t have to wait more than three days for the test results.
Here are a few ideas to help keep calm until the results arrive.
Speed is normal
If you visit your doctor because you’ve found a lump, it can be disconcerting to be rushed in for a mammogram the same day or next day. But speediness is perfectly routine.
At Crystal Clear Imaging in Springfield, Sarah Reuer, center administrator, said speed is their default mode.
“We never make a woman with a lump wait until the next day for an appointment,” she said.
Results also are generally moved on a fast track, even for routine mammograms.
“I know how difficult it is for women to make their appointments and get in there, and once they do, they want their results immediately,” Reuer said.
Know the process
One way to make the diagnostic process go more smoothly is to be informed.
When a patient of his has found a lump in her breast, OB/GYN Dr. John Samol always does his best to explain to her what has to happen next.
“A big part of our role is not only moving ahead with steps, medically speaking, but informing patients of the upcoming sequence of events,” said Samol, who practices with TriHealth’s Group Health Associates in Mason and Kenwood.
Patients may not realize that they’ll be referred on to radiologists and, possibly, breast surgeons, or how long it may take to get a diagnosis.
“I map it out for them,” Samol said. He’s found that well-informed patients are much less stressed.
Research cautiously
If you Google “breast cancer,” you are guaranteed to find information, useful or not.
“I encourage patients to do their own research,” Samol said. “However, what they’ll often find is worst-case scenarios, which can create more anxiety.”
Reuer also said to be wary of what you read.
“Instead, it might be better to call your provider back to talk and ask questions about your specific situation.”
The buddy system
For most mammograms or ultrasounds, a woman will likely go in for her appointment alone. If she needs to return for a biopsy, it might ease her anxiety to bring a friend or family member.
Our experts agreed that who you share your diagnosis process with is a very personal decision. Some women keep family and friends informed every step of the way. Others, fearful of worrying others — especially before a diagnosis — may tell no one, or perhaps only their spouse or immediate family members.
“It can be very helpful to have someone who can help you listen and ask the right questions. They can help you feel before you leave the office that you have the right information,” McCarthy said.
Statistics are in your favor
In recent years, breast cancer awareness has skyrocketed. The downside to awareness is that we now know what to fear. We know that — depending on who is doing the estimating — anywhere from one in eight to one in 11 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives.
But, that still leaves millions of women cancer-free. McCarthy spoke reassuringly of the women who pass through her hospital’s doors.
“I’d say roughly 10 percent of the patients we screen get called back because we see something. About 5 percent of those patients will be called back for a biopsy. And of that very small number of patients, in only a very, very few do we find cancer,” she said.
Another way to reduce anxiety is to follow the guidelines for early detection.
“The best thing to do is get your mammogram yearly and do your monthly breast self-exams faithfully,” Reuer said.
For the same reason, don’t put off getting an exam because you’re worried about what could be found.
“There’s peace of mind in knowing everything is OK,” Reuer said. “Believe me, it’s much worse if you don’t know.”
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