A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast, and is used to screen for abnormal changes in breast tissue, including cancer. Most women come to our center for a screening mammogram. This type of mammogram is for women with no known breast problems and is used to look for abnormal signs in the breasts. In general, women should obtain a baseline screening mammogram at age 35-39, and begin having annual screening mammograms at age 40.
Below are answers to the most common questions about screening mammograms:
What is a screening mammogram?
A screening mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves two X-ray views of each breast. Mammograms make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt. Mammograms can also find microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium in the breast) that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer.
Does a screening mammogram find all breast cancers present?
Unfortunately, no. There currently is no 100% effective method for detecting breast cancer. Many cancers are too small or soft to be felt, but can be seen on a mammogram. Some types of cancers can be felt more easily than they can be seen on the mammogram. In fact, 10-15% of breast cancers cannot be seen on the mammogram. Therefore, your best protection against breast cancer is using every detection method available – breast self-examination, your doctor's breast examination and your annual mammogram.
How is a screening mammogram performed?
A Solis mammography technologist will position you at one of our state-of-the-art mammography machines. Your breast will be placed between two plates and gently compressed, so that as much of your breast and surrounding tissue as possible can be visualized on the X-ray. Usually two views are taken of each breast.
Will my mammogram be painful?
For most women, a mammogram is not painful, merely uncomfortable – and only for the few seconds that their breasts are compressed. Try to schedule your mammogram at a time other than during your period, because your breasts may be more sensitive at that time.
Do I need to do anything before my appointment?
If you have had a mammogram previously and are a new patient, please let us know where your previous studies were done when you schedule your appointment so we can have them on hand to compare with your new mammogram. Also be sure to gather information about your family history of cancer, your gynecological history, any hormones you have taken and any previous breast surgery or treatments, so you can provide that information on your patient information form.
Should I do anything special on the day of my mammogram?
We ask that you avoid use of powders and deodorants that morning, if possible, because they sometimes leave residue that can be mistaken on a mammogram for calcifications, which may require a closer look on a second, diagnostic, mammogram.
How long should I plan to be at the Solis office for my screening mammogram?
Typically, you will be in and out of our office within 45 minutes.
Why might I be called back for a diagnostic mammogram?
You may get a callback if the radiologist sees something on your mammogram that requires further examination. Don't worry – getting a callback does NOT mean you have cancer. About 1 out of every 10 patients is called back for additional views, but most do NOT have cancer.
