Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers for women. While you can't prevent breast cancer completely, there are important steps you can take to protect yourself. Regular mammograms are one of the most powerful tools available to you for catching breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Below we will talk about what mammograms are, why they matter, and what you can expect during your screening.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a special type of X-ray that takes detailed pictures of your breast tissue. Think of it as a camera that can see inside your breasts to look for changes that might be too small for you or your doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP) to feel during an exam.
There are two types of mammograms:
Screening mammogram: This is your routine check-up for breast health, just like getting your blood pressure checked or having an annual physical.
Diagnostic mammogram: This is used when you or your doctor or APP notice something specific that needs a closer look, like a lump you can feel or an area that showed up on a previous mammogram.
The goal of a mammogram is simple: find any changes in your breast tissue as early as possible, often years before you might notice symptoms on your own.
When to get screened
Current medical guidelines recommend the following for when you should get your mammogram.
- In your 20s and 30s: Start doing monthly breast self-exams. Get familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel so you can notice any changes. If you find anything unusual—like lumps, changes in skin texture, or nipple changes—let your doctor or APP know right away.
- Starting at age 40: Most women should begin getting mammograms every one to two years. Your doctor or APP will help you decide what's right for you based on your personal health history.
- Special circumstances: If breast cancer runs in your family or you have certain genetic factors, you might need to start screening earlier or get screened more often. Men can also develop breast cancer, though it's much less common.
The most important thing is talking with your primary care doctor or APP about your personal risk factors. They'll help create a screening plan that makes sense for you.
Preparing for a mammogram
It is important to take some time to prepare for your mammogram to make it more comfortable and accurate:
- Schedule smartly: If you still have menstrual periods, try to schedule your mammogram for the week after your period when your breasts are less tender.
- Dress comfortably: Wear a two-piece outfit so you can easily remove just your top and bra.
- Skip certain products: Don't use deodorant, lotion, powder or perfume on your chest or underarm area the day of your mammogram—these can show up on the images and interfere with the results.
- Bring your history: If you've had previous mammograms at another facility, try to bring those images or have them sent to your new provider for comparison.
- Ask questions: Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor, APP or the mammography technologist about any concerns you have.
What to expect during your mammogram
Many people feel nervous about their first mammogram but knowing what to expect can help ease those worries. Here's what will happen:
- Getting ready: You'll be asked to undress from the waist up and put on a hospital gown that opens in the front.
- The imaging process: A technologist will position you in front of a special machine. One breast at a time will be placed on a clear plastic plate, and another plate will come down from above to gently compress your breast. This compression helps spread the tissue so the X-ray can get clear images. Your technologist will take images from different angles.
- The compression: it is normal to find the compression uncomfortable, but it only lasts a few seconds for each image.
- How long it takes: The entire process usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Remember, any brief discomfort you feel is worth it for the potentially life-saving information these images provide.
Importance of regular mammograms
As women age, their risk of breast cancer increases. Regular mammograms can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, often before you can feel any lumps or notice other symptoms. When breast cancer is caught early:
- Treatment is often less aggressive
- You may avoid chemotherapy or extensive surgery
- Your chances of full recovery are much better
- Studies show that women who get regular mammograms have lower rates of death from breast cancer
Your health matters and taking proactive steps like scheduling regular mammograms is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family. If it's been more than a year since your last mammogram, or if you've never had one and you're over 40, now is the time to schedule one.
You can talk to your primary care doctor or APP about creating a screening plan that's right for you. They can also answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you stay on top of your breast health.
Remember, mammograms save lives. Schedule your appointment today and take control of your health journey.
*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.