Mammograms: What to expect

A screening mammogram can help detect early signs of breast cancer, which may allow for more treatment options and a better prognosis. Mammograms cannot determine if you have breast cancer with a single scan, and a potential cancer diagnosis will require further examination.

Here is what you can expect from your mammogram, as well as a recommended mammogram screening schedule, how to prepare for your mammogram, information on what is means to have a “high risk” of breast cancer, and answers to common questions about mammograms.

Types of breast screening

• Mammogram: During this screening, you stand in front of a mammography unit, and a technologist uncovers your breast to be scanned and places it on a clear plastic plate. Then a second plate is lowered until your breast is pressed between the two plastic plates. The technologist captures images of each breast from the front and the side.
  Tip: If your breasts are tender or swollen due to your menstrual cycle, consider rescheduling your mammogram for the week after your menstrual cycle.
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This is used for women who have a higher risk of breast cancer. It’s also used as a breast cancer staging tool or to identify lesions in women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer. A breast MRI creates three-dimensional, detailed images of your breasts using a magnet connected to a computer. If your doctor orders a breast MRI with contrast to screen for breast cancer, a contrast dye will be injected into your body through an IV.
  Tip: Even if you have a higher risk for breast cancer, you need to have regular mammograms in addition to any other recommended screening tests.
• Breast ultrasound: This is generally used for women with lumps or abnormalities identified during a breast self-exam, clinical breast exams or mammograms. The ultrasound bounces sound waves off your breast tissue to create a picture called a sonogram. You’ll lie down on a table, raise your hands above your head and have water-based gel applied to the area. Then, the radiologist or sonographer will run the transducer over your breast.
  Tip: A breast ultrasound does not replace regular mammograms.

Recommended mammogram screening schedule

• Average risk of breast cancer: Get an annual mammogram starting at age 40.
• High risk of breast cancer: Starting as early as age 25, talk with your doctor regularly about your individualized risk for breast cancer. If you have a higher risk of breast cancer, you may benefit from genetic counseling or early screening.

What does “high risk” mean?

If you have a high risk of breast cancer, it means you have a higher-than-normal chance of developing the disease. These are risk factors that can put you in the high-risk category:

• Prior personal history of breast cancer, or other abnormalities in the breast tissue
• High proportion of dense breast tissue instead of fatty tissue
• Previous breast exposure to radiation therapy before age 30
• Pregnancy after age 30, or no pregnancy at all
• Absence of breastfeeding
• Being overweight, particularly after menopause
• Increased exposure to estrogen, which could be indicated by having your first period before age 13 or starting menopause after age 51. It can also result from prolonged hormone replacement therapy.
• Previous biopsy results that indicate atypical hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ, or radial scar formation
• Family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer

Preparing for your appointment

Dress for comfort. Depending on the type of mammogram, you may only need to remove your top. Don’t wear deodorant, perfume or powder. Many centers provide cleansing cloths in case you forget.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Mammogram Q&A

Q: I’m pregnant or breastfeeding and due for a test. Should I wait?

A: Current evidence indicates that it’s safe to get a mammogram while pregnant or breastfeeding. For more information, talk with your doctor.

Q: I have a breast implant. Can I still get a mammogram?

A: While it is safe to have a mammogram when you have a breast implant, be sure to tell the technologist before the procedure since the machine may require special adjustment in order to capture the best possible images.

Q: What else should I know?

A: You should always receive the results of your mammogram. If there are any abnormalities, your doctor may refer you back to the breast imaging center for more tests or evaluations. If the results are normal, continue to follow your recommended schedule for the next mammogram.

It is important to know that the information in this article, including the screening recommendations, is accurate as of the publishing date.