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Mammograms and Early Detection

The following are frequently asked questions about mammograms.

What is a mammogram?
Are there different kinds of mammograms?
Who should have mammograms?
How should I prepare for a mammogram?
What should I expect during my digital mammogram procedure?
Are mammograms painful?
How will I get my results?
What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breasts, used to detect and diagnose breast diseases. Screening mammography is used as a preventive measure for women who have no symptoms of breast disease. A screening mammogram usually involves two views of each breast.

Diagnostic mammography involves additional views of the breast, and is used when an abnormality is found during screening, or in women who have breast complaints, such as a breast mass, nipple discharge, breast pain, or skin irritation.

Mammography is a very safe procedure that uses low doses of radiation to produce high-quality X-ray images.
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Are there different kinds of mammograms?

Two kinds of mammograms are available:

Screen-film mammography
Full field digital mammography

In screen-film mammography, X-ray beams are captured on a film cassette. The film is then developed, and a doctor who specializes in the interpretation of X-rays and other types of diagnostic imaging studies, reviews the films on a high-intensity light box.

In digital mammography, X-ray beams are captured on specially designed digital detectors. The digital detector converts the X-ray beams into electronic signals, which are then sent to a computer. The radiologist then reviews the digital mammogram on a high-resolution computer monitor.
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Who should have mammograms?

The American Cancer Society recommends that:

All women should have a baseline screening mammogram between the age of 35 and 40.
Beginning at the age of 40, all women should have annual screening mammograms.

This is a general recommendation. Women with certain risk factors should discuss their individual screening needs with their doctor. Some may need to begin screening at an earlier age or may need more frequent screening.
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How should I prepare for a mammogram?

If you have had mammograms in different facilities, call those facilities in advance and arrange to have your previous mammograms, reports and any other treatment reports forwarded to the PAMF Radiology Department.

Do not wear deodorant, powder or cream under your arms. It may interfere with the quality of your mammogram.
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What should I expect during my digital mammogram procedure?

The procedure for a digital mammogram goes as follows:

You will need to undress above the waist for this procedure. You will be given a wrap to wear during the mammogram.
You and a breast imaging technologist will be the only ones present during the mammogram. The technologist will position each breast, one at a time, on the mammography equipment. The breast will then be compressed, and the X-ray will be taken.
Each X-ray will appear on the technologist's computer screen, and she will be able to make sure each image shows the right view before positioning you for the next X-ray.
The entire procedure should take about 20 minutes.

Are mammograms painful?

Breast compression may cause some discomfort for a brief time during each X-ray, but it should not be painful. Breast compression helps obtain better X-rays by:

Flattening the breast so that the maximum amount of tissue can be examined.
Allowing a lower X-ray dose to be used, since the X-ray beams pass through a thinner amount of tissue.
Holding the breast in place to prevent blurring caused by motion.

If you have sensitive breasts, schedule your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts will be less tender. In general, the week after a period is when breasts are less tender.

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How will I get my results?

Your mammogram will be read by a radiologist, a specialist in analyzing diagnostic images. The radiologist will then send a report to your doctor, who will notify you of the results.

Be sure to ask your doctor when and how you will receive the results of your mammogram. Users of My Health Online may be accustomed to receiving their test results online at the same time as their doctor receives the results. However, because of the sensitive nature of cancer screening, some reports are sent to your primary care physician first.

If you do not hear from your doctor, don't assume your mammogram was normal. Confirm this by calling your doctor's office.
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What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

Some of the known risk factors for breast cancer include:

Family or personal history of breast cancer
Early menstrual onset/late onset menopause
Use of oral contraceptives
Use of hormone replacement therapy
Alcohol use (two or more drinks per day)