1. Who should get a mammogram and how often?

   Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. Women age 40-49 should get a mammogram at least every other year and perhaps every year if recommended by her doctor. All women over the age of 50 should get a mammogram every year.

   For those women who are at higher risk for getting breast cancer than the average woman, mammograms might start at an earlier age, such as 30–35. However, mammograms aren’t as accurate when done on younger women due to the type of tissue in the breast.

2. Can a mammogram always find breast cancer?

   Mammograms are quite accurate, especially in women over 50. Mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer early when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. However, mammograms are not perfect. Sometimes a mammogram film will show something that might be a tumor, but further tests show that it is not. Conversely, a mammogram film will sometimes look like everything is normal, but the woman actually has a small tumor. Because no screening exam is perfect, women should use three methods for finding breast cancer early: mammograms, clinical breast exams and breast self exams. 
   
   Women need to be aware that IBC is an aggressive type of breast cancer that often is not detected by a mammogram.  Women who observe a rash, dimpling, inversion of the nipple, or redness on the breast should be examined to rule out IBC.  Biopsy and/or MRI may be the best means to detect IBC.

3. What happens if the doctor feels a lump, but the mammogram doesn’t show anything?

   Whenever a doctor or nurse finds a suspicious lump during a clinical breast exam, extra tests should be done, even if the mammogram results are normal. Most often the woman will get an ultrasound, which is a painless breast exam that uses sound waves. Another option is to see a breast specialist, such as a breast surgeon, who will repeat the clinical breast exam.

4. What is mammography?  

   A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast.  To prepare for mammography, a woman will remove clothing above the waist and put on a hospital gown.  The mammogram X-rays are taken by a radiological technician (RT).  The RT will help position the woman in relation to the mammography unit in order ensure an accurate film.  Breasts are X-rayed one at a time.  To obtain the X-ray, the breast is positioned on a clear, flat plate. Another plate is lowered onto the breast, compressing it, and the X-ray is taken.  Each breast is X-rayed at one angle, then again at another angle.  After the breasts are X-rayed, the RT will typically check the films to be certain they are good ones.

   Mammography may be offered in a variety of clinic settings, including clinic, hospital and mobile unit.  A woman may be advised to remove deodorant, antiperspirant or lotion prior to mammography.

Note: The information given above is for educational purposes only. These questions and answers should not replace a discussion with a doctor if you think you might have breast or cervical cancer.

Reference: Ohio Department of Health

Last Updated: 2/26/2010                                                    Breast & Cervical Cancer Project / Links