What is a mammogram and why should I have one?

A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast. It can find breast cancer that is too small for you, your doctor, or nurse to feel. Studies show that if you are in your forties or older, having a mammogram every 1 to 2 years could save your life.

How do I know if I need a mammogram?
Talk with your doctor about your chances of getting breast cancer. Your doctor can help you decide when you should start having mammograms and how often you should have them.

Why do I need a mammogram every 1 to 2 years?
As you get older, your chances of getting breast cancer get higher. Cancer can show up at any time -- so one mammogram is not enough. Decide on a plan with your doctor and follow it for the rest of your life.

How is a mammogram done?
Mammograms are quick and easy. You simply stand in front of an x-ray machine. The person who takes the x-rays places your breast between two plastic plates. The plates press your breast and make it flat. This may be uncomfortable for a few seconds, but it helps get a clear picture. You will have x-rays taken of each breast. A mammogram takes only a few seconds.

Where can I get a mammogram?
To find out where you can get a mammogram:

Ask your doctor or nurse.
Ask your local health department or clinic.
Call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

Some mammography points to ponder:
-Screening for breast cancer is best done by including both mammography and clinical breast examination in the screening process. Imaging modalities other than x-ray mammography are not appropriate screening tools for breast cancer.

-Health care providers are responsible for referring women for screening mammography on a regular, ongoing basis. Women are responsible for getting regular screening mammograms. When a problem is identified through screening or diagnostic mammography, women are responsible for working with a health care provider to get appropriate follow up care.

-The referring provider, interpreting physician, and woman should form a partnership to communicate and follow through with recommendations.

-Mammography results should always be communicated as quickly as possible to the referring provider and to the screened woman or mammography patient.

-Women and patients must have the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns, and responses must be conveyed to them as clearly as possible, with a sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity and language.

-Mammography is not perfect. A negative mammogram (a mammogram that shows no apparent problem) should never delay further evaluation or prevent care for a physical finding such as a breast lump, skin change, or spontaneous nipple discharge.

-The purpose of mammography for patients with a palpable breast lump is to further define the lump and to rule out the presence of unexpected non palpable breast cancer in the ipsilateral or contralateral breast.

-Quality mammography results when physicians interpret mammograms obtained by qualified radiologic technologists using dedicated equipment that is monitored through regular quality control.

-By law, beginning October 1, 1994, all mammography facilities in the United States except Veterans Health Administration facilities must be certified by the Food and Drug Administration