Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent.* When you’re a mom, daughter, friend, grandma, auntie, sister, wife, co-worker, or neighbor, keeping healthy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for the people who love you. Average-risk women aged 40 to 70 should have a mammogram every one to two years, based on physician recommendation and medical history. Contact your doctor promptly if you find a lump in your breast.
What is a mammogram? A mammogram is a safe, low-dose X-ray of the breast, used to screen for breast problems and to detect breast cancer.
Does every woman need a mammogram? Routine mammography is recommended for women between the ages of 40 and 74. Early detection is a woman’s best protection against breast cancer, which is most easily treated and cured when found at an early stage. A mammogram can show changes in breast tissue years before anything can be felt. An initial screening mammogram also gives us a baseline for comparison with future studies.
How often do I need a mammogram? American Cancer Society guidelines suggest that most women begin by age 40 and continue regular exams thereafter. Your doctor can help you decide when to begin and how often to be screened, based on your family history and personal risk.
What will the exam be like? You will need to remove your clothes above the waist and will be given a cloth or paper gown to wear. One at a time, each breast is positioned on a flat plate that contains the X-ray film, and it may feel cold. Another plate is then pressed firmly against the breast to flatten the tissue. This allows minimum radiation exposure and the clearest possible image. At least two pictures are taken in slightly different positions for each breast. The exam takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Will it hurt during the exam? A mammogram is often uncomfortable. To reduce the discomfort, you may want to schedule the exam for the week after the onset of your menstrual period if that applies to you, avoid products containing caffeine such as coffee or chocolate beforehand, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen before you come in.
How can I prepare for the exam? On the day of the exam, do not use deodorant, perfume, powder or ointment on your breasts or underarms. These products can contain substances that interfere with the X-ray. If you forget, tell the mammography technologist and you will be given something to wipe it off.
What if I have breast symptoms? If you feel a lump, or have breast pain, nipple discharge, or dimpling of the skin, tell your medical provider, who may need to order different diagnostic tests.
What if I have breast implants? Let the mammography technologist know. Additional mammographic views may need to be taken.
What if I am pregnant? If you are pregnant or think you might be, let your medical provider know before scheduling a mammogram.
Board Certified in Obesity Medicine and Family Medicine
This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute individual medical advice. Always consult your own physician before making changes to your health, medications, or treatment plan.
*Five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer, American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2007, page 11.
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