About Mammography

Screening Mammography Guidelines

The American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology recommend that all women age 40 and over have annual mammograms. Women at increased risk should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammograms when they are younger, having additional tests (such as breast ultrasound or MRI) or having more frequent exams.

What is Mammography?

Breast cancer can take years to develop and if detected early (before it has spread to the lymph nodes or other organs) the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. A mammogram is an x-ray exam of the breast. The goal is to find cancer when it is still too small to be felt by a woman or her doctor. It is also used to evaluate breast abnormalities in women who have breast symptoms such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge. During a mammogram, the breast tissue is spread apart by flattening it between two plastic plates attached to the mammogram machine. This squeezing ensures a sharper image, and that the exam can be done with a lower x-ray dose. Although uncomfortable, it only lasts for a few seconds and is needed to produce a good mammogram. A technologist (usually a woman) positions the breasts. Two views of each breast are usually taken (unless more are needed to view larger amounts of breast tissue). The entire procedure for a mammogram takes about 20 minutes.

Tips for Having a Mammogram

The following are useful suggestions from the American Cancer Society for ensuring that you will receive a good quality mammogram:

•  If it is not posted visibly near the receptionist’s desk, ask to see the FDA certificate that is issued to all facilities that offer mammography. The FDA requires that all facilities meet high professional standards of safety and quality in order to be a provider of mammography services. Without certification, a facility may not provide mammography.
• Use a facility that either specializes in mammography or does many mammograms a day.
• If you are satisfied that the facility is of high quality, continue to go there on a regular basis so that your mammograms can be compared from year to year.
• If you are going to a facility for the first time, bring a list of the places, dates of mammograms, biopsies, or other breast treatments you have had before.
• If you have had mammograms at another facility, you should make every attempt to get those mammograms to bring with you to the new facility (or have them sent there) so that they can be compared to the new ones.
• On the day of the exam, don’t wear deodorant or antiperspirant; some of these contain substances that can interfere with the reading of the mammogram by appearing on the x-ray film as white spots.
• You may find it more convenient to wear a skirt or pants, so that you’ll only need to remove your blouse for the exam.
• Schedule your mammogram when your breasts are not tender or swollen to help reduce discomfort and to assure a good picture. Try to avoid the week just before your period.
• Always describe any breast symptoms or problems that you are having to the technologist who is doing the mammogram. Be prepared to describe any pertinent medical history such as prior surgeries, hormone use, family or personal history of breast cancer. Also discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor or nurse before having a mammogram.
• If you do not hear from your doctor within 10 days, do not assume that your mammogram was normal -- call your doctor or the facility.