Having a Mammogram

Mammography is an X-ray examination of your breasts. It can detect tumors and other breast abnormalities before they can be felt. Mammography is of great value in finding breast cancer at an early stage, when the cure rate can be more than 90%. The amount of radiation involved in mammography is low, and repeat examinations can be done without worry.. The X-ray shows your breast's internal structure, and allows both cancerous and noncancerous growths to be identified at their earliest stages.

The image created by mammography is called a mammogram. To obtain it, a technician causes an X-ray to pass through your breast, making an image on a film or plate. Then a highly trained radiologist can study the picture and pinpoint suspicious signs.

Preparing for the exam
No preparation is necessary, although you'll be required to undress from the waist up. You will probably be asked to avoid the use of deodorants, powders or other body cosmetics, since they may cast a shadow on the X-ray.

The amount of radiation used in mammography is very small, but you should not undergo mammography if you are pregnant, because even a low dose of radiation can be harmful to the fetus, so be sure and tell your doctor if you are expecting a baby.

Because you may experience some slight discomfort when your breasts are compressed during mammography, you may wish to schedule your exam for the week following your menstrual period when your breasts are the least tender. The mammogram will be studied by the radiologist who will report the results to your personal doctor. She will then discuss the findings with you.

When should you have a mammogram?
Although mammograms do not always detect early breast disease, they are presently your best weapon in your fight against breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society and the American College of Ob/Gyn recommend that you have a baseline mammogram btween ages 35 - 40. This will be used as a reference against which to note any changes shown by later mammograms. Between the ages of 40 and 49, you should have a mammogram every two years. After this, you should have one every year because the risk of breast cancer increases with age.  Higher risk patients, such as those with a strong family or personal history may require them more frequently- ask your doctor. Newer technologies are being studied with both mammography and MRI to further increase the accuracy of testing for breast cancer.

Source: Patient education material from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology was used as a source of information to develop the content for this topic.