Mammography is the best available method to detect early signs of breast cancer. A mammogram can detect signs of cancer one to three years before you would be able to feel a lump.
What to Expect
During a mammogram, you can expect the following:
You will be required to undress above the waist. The facility will provide a wrap for you to wear.
A technologist will be present to position your breasts for the mammogram. You and the technologist will be the only people present during the mammogram. Most technologists are women.
The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. The actual breast compression only lasts a few seconds.
You may feel some discomfort when your breasts are compressed, but you should not feel pain.
When to Get One
Although most breast cancer cases are found among women over age 50, the disease can develop sooner. Common risk factors for breast cancer include age, family history, and prior radiation therapy treatment.
The U.S. Preventive Care Taskforce recommends the following screening schedule.
Age Screening Recommendations*
20-30 years
40-50 years
50-74 years
Clinical breast exam every 3 years
Clinical breast exam every year
Mammogram every 2 years
*Ask your doctor about when and how often you should get a mammogram. If you are high risk or have a family history of cancer, your doctor might recommend you start earlier or get tested more frequently.
Breast Self-Examinations
When you are in between clinical exams and mammograms, complete regular breast self-exams to become familiar with the look and feel of your breasts when healthy and you can detect changes as early as possible. Watch a video tutorial to learn how.