Breast Health

A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast, which doctors use to look for early signs of breast cancer and other breast abnormalities. The imaging method is called mammography. It is used as both a diagnostic and screening tool.

During a mammogram, a patient stands in front of a special medical X-ray machine while a technologist places the patient's breast on a flat plate. The breast is compressed with a parallel plate called a paddle, which holds it still while the X-ray is being taken. The process only takes a few seconds for each breast. This helps minimize blurring of the X-ray image that can be caused by movement. Compression also evens out the shape of the breast, so that the X-ray can travel a shorter path.

These steps are repeated for the other breast. For some women with breast implants or larger breasts, more images may be needed. The whole procedure generally takes about 20 minutes.

Your breasts may be more sensitive if you are about to have or currently having your period. Inform the technologists at once if you feel any pain. 

3D Mammography, also known as Tomosynthesis, is ideal for women with dense breasts because it gives radiologists a more detailed view of the breast tissue, helping to find smaller cancers earlier. The advanced technology also decreases the number of false positives. There is same day follow-up available if additional imaging is needed, which results also available that day.

Mammogram guidelines are issued by various medical organizations. Please talk with your healthcare provider about the best screening guidelines for you. For more information, please review the chart below for women with average risk:

	Age to Start Mammography	Age to Stop Mammography	Mammography Interval
American College of Radiology/Society of Breast Imaging	40*	No age limit, tailor to individual health status	Annual
American Cancer Society	45 option to start at age 40	When life expectancy is less than 10 years	Annual 45-54; Every 1 or 2 years 55+
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists	Offer at 40, not later than 50	Age 75, then shared decision making	Every 1 or 2 years
American Medical Association	40	Not Stated	Annual
American Society of Breast Surgeons	40	When life expectancy is less than 10 years	Annual
National Comprehensive Cancer Network	40	Upper age limit for screening is not yet established	Annual
U.S. Preventive  Services Task Force	50	74 years	Every 2 years

* African American, Hispanic and Asian women have peak incidence of breast cancer in their 40s and should begin screening at least by age 40.