The Mammogram Test and After

Mammograms are performed as part of a regular physical exam or to evaluate any unusual changes in the breast. A mammogram can help your healthcare provider decide if a lump, growth or change in your breast needs further testing. The mammogram is also used to look for lumps that are too small to be felt during a physical exam.

What Happens During The Test? Registered mammography technologists perform the test. Most mammography technologists are women. A doctor specialized in interpreting imaging studies will interpret the X-rays. You will be asked to stand in front of an X-ray machine. A technician will place your breast between two radiographic breast supports. The supports will be pressed together, gently flattening the breast. By compressing the breast, the health-care provider can get a clear picture while using a low dose of radiation. You may feel some discomfort or slight pain from this pressure, but it will only last for a few seconds while the X-ray is being taken. Compression is necessary to obtain the clearest possible picture with the least amount of radiation. Your cooperation for these few seconds is important to get a clear picture. If you feel that the pressure on your breast is too great, tell the person performing the exam. To minimize discomfort during compression, you may want to consider scheduling your appointment seven to 10 days after the start of your period, when your breast are least likely to be tender. The breast will be imaged in several positions to enable the radiologist to visualize all breast tissue adequately. For a routine breast screening, two pictures are taken of each breast. This examination takes about 20 minutes. After examining the films, the radiologist may ask the technologist to obtain additional images or a breast ultrasound for a more precise diagnosis. This is a routine measure. What Happens After The Test? You may experience temporary skin discoloration or mild aching as a result of the compression in the breast area. You can take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve it. Generally, you will be able to resume your usual activities immediately. The results of your mammogram will be given to your doctor, who will discuss with you what the test results could mean and what further tests might be recommended. All mammography facilities are now required to send your results to you within 30 days. You will be contacted within 5 working days if there is a problem with your mammogram. According to the American Cancer Society, only 1 or 2 mammograms out of every 1,000 lead to a diagnosis of cancer. Approximately 10% of women will require additional mammography. Don’t be alarmed if this happens to you. Only 8% – 10% of those women will need a biopsy, and 80% of those biopsies will not be cancer. How Often Should I Have A Mammogram? The American Cancer Society recommends having a baseline mammogram between ages 35 and 40, and then every year after age 40. Your risk of breast cancer increases as you age, so a yearly mammogram is especially important if you are over age 40. If you think you need a mammogram, don’t wait for your yearly physical. Contact your health-care provider right away. Mammograms are an important part of your health history. If you go to another health-care provider or move, take the film (mammogram) with you. Should I Still Do Self-Exams? Not all breast cancers can be detected on mammogram, especially in younger women who have denser breast tissue. Remember, along with following your doctor’s recommendations for mammography testing, it is essential that you perform breast self-examination every month, beginning at age 20. You should also have breast examinations by your health-care provider (physician or nurse) every three years starting at age 20 and every year starting at age 40. (Source: Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center:Charlotte E. Grayson: WebMD Health: September 2003.)