Mammogram

What is a mammogram?

It is a low dose X-ray used to find abnormal changes in breast tissue.  A mammogram allows the doctor to look closely for changes in breast tissue that cannot be felt during a breast exam.  Mammograms are performed on women with and without breast complaints or symptoms.

Why have a mammogram?

Finding Breast cancer early greatly increases the chance of successful treatment.  A mammogram with a clinical exam by a doctor is the best way to find breast cancer early. 

What factors increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer?

Age is the strongest risk factor for developing breast cancer, the risk increases as a woman gets older, but the risk is not the same for all women in a certain age group.  There are some additional factors that increase the risk of a woman developing breast cancer such as personal history of breast cancer, family history of breast cancer, inherited genetic alterations, dense breast tissue, long-term use of hormone therapy, alcohol use, obesity, inactivity, first menstrual period before age 12, menopause after age 55, full-term pregnancy after age 30, and never had a full-term pregnancy.

Who should have a mammogram?

The American Cancer Society recommends a yearly mammogram for all women in good health 40 and over.  Women with a history of breast cancer or breast problems or with a family history of breast cancer may need to start getting mammograms before the age of 40.   Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam every 3 years, and every year for women 40 and over.  Talk to your doctor about when to start and how often you should have a mammogram.

How to prepare for a mammogram

Avoid scheduling a mammogram the week before your period when your breasts are tender and swollen.  Tell the mammography facility if you have breast implants when you schedule your mammogram.  Wear a shirt with shorts, pants, or a skirt so that you can undress from the waist up.  Do not wear deodorant, perfume, lotion, or power under your arms or on your breasts the day you of your mammogram.  If you have had mammograms previously, and go to a new facility to have a mammogram, have the previous mammogram sent to the new facility for comparison.

Additional Resources and References:

• American Cancer Society 
  Phone: 800-227-2345 (TDD: 866-228-4327)
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HHS 
  Phone: 800-633-4227 (TDD: 877-486-2048)
• National Cancer Institute, NIH, HHS 
  Phone: 800-422-6237
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure 
  Phone: 877-465-6636

Sources:
www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/mammograms.cfm
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/mammograms
www.cancer.org/Healthy/FindCancerEarly/CancerScreeningGuidelines/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer