What it is
A is an X-ray picture of the breast, made with a low dose of radiation. A mammogram is for people with no signs of breast cancer, to find it early, sometimes before it can be felt. A diagnostic mammogram is done when there is a lump or another change, and takes more pictures from more angles. A radiologist, a doctor who reads scans, studies the pictures and compares them with earlier mammograms when possible.
Why it is done
aims to find breast cancer early, when treatment is easier. Countries and doctors advise starting at different ages and repeating at different gaps, so ask your doctor what suits your age and family history. A diagnostic is done for a lump, breast pain, thickened skin, nipple discharge or a change in the size or shape of the breast, and for people with breast implants. If you notice a change, see a doctor rather than wait for a screening date.
What it helps with
- Breast cancer
Breast cysts
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
How to prepare
A needs little preparation, but a few things matter.
Do
- Wear a top that is easy to take off, rather than a dress, and take off necklaces
- If you can choose the date, avoid the days just before and during your period
- Tell the team if you are or might be pregnant or breastfeeding, have breast implants, or have had a breast or surgery
Do not
- Do not use deodorant, antiperspirant, talcum powder, lotion, cream or perfume on the breasts or under the arms that day
- Do not keep quiet about implants or a possible pregnancy
What happens
- The mammographer checks your details and asks about any breast problems.
- You undress to the waist in private.
- One breast is placed on the machine and pressed between two plates for a few seconds while you stay still.
- An X-ray is taken from above. The machine moves and a second one is taken from the side. The other breast is done in the same way.
Pressing the breast flat gives a clearer picture, and it can be uncomfortable or painful for a short time. Tell the mammographer if it hurts, and ask to stop if you need to. With implants, extra pictures are taken to see around them.
Afterwards
You can usually dress and go about your day. A radiologist reads the and the report goes to your doctor and usually to you, within about 2 weeks. If you have not heard by then, contact your doctor or the centre. Keep checking your breasts between mammograms and see a doctor if you notice any change.
Risks and side effects
The radiation dose is low, and the risk from a is very low. A diagnostic mammogram uses a higher dose because more pictures are taken. A mammogram can show something that looks abnormal but is not cancer, which can lead to more tests and worry. It can also miss a cancer that is there, and this is more likely in dense breasts. Tell the team if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, because routine is not done then.
Results and what comes next
Most mammograms show no sign of cancer. Being called back for more pictures, an scan, a breast examination or a , where a small sample is taken with a needle, is common, and most people called back do not have breast cancer. A biopsy tests the tissue.
What a cannot show: a normal result does not rule out cancer, especially in dense breasts, and changes can appear between mammograms. Breast ultrasound or MRI may be added when the mammogram does not give a clear answer.
Questions to ask your doctor
Tick the ones you want answered and take them with you.
Common questions
Does a mammogram hurt?
It is often uncomfortable and sometimes painful, because the breast is pressed flat between two plates for a few seconds. It passes quickly. Tell the mammographer if it hurts, and you can ask to stop at any time.
Can a mammogram find every breast cancer?
No. It can miss some cancers, especially in dense breasts, and new changes can appear between mammograms. Keep checking your breasts, and see a doctor about any lump or change without waiting for your next mammogram.
Why was I called back after my mammogram?
You may be asked to come back for more pictures, an ultrasound scan, an examination or a biopsy. This is common, and most people called back do not have breast cancer. The letter or the doctor will explain what is needed.
Can I have a mammogram if I am pregnant or have breast implants?
Tell the team in both cases. Routine screening is not done during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People with implants should still have mammograms, and telling the centre means extra pictures can be taken to see around the implant.