Cancer

Everything you need to know about screening mammograms

A breast imaging technician has her hand on a women’s shoulder as they stand in front of a mammography machine. Screening mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early when it is most treatable.

10/23/2024

Curious about what to wear to your mammogram? Wonder what happens if the results are abnormal? Here’s your guide to preparing for and understanding screening mammograms.

 

By Seema Bakhru, MD, Chair of the Department of Radiology at Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital, part of Nuvance Health

 

Annual mammograms matter so much for women aged 40 and older. Whether it’s your first mammogram or it has been a while since your last one, it’s common to have questions about things like what clothes to wear, if applying deodorant is OK and what happens if you need follow-up breast imaging.

 

Find out what to expect during and after a mammogram to help make the process smoother and less stressful.

 

 

What is a screening mammogram?

 

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that allows doctors to examine your breast tissue for any signs of cancer or abnormalities. This screening is key in detecting breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective. The American Cancer Society, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American College of Radiology and more recommend annual screening mammograms starting at age 40. Your doctor may suggest starting earlier if you have a family history or other risk factors for breast cancer.

 

 

Why are regular screening mammograms so important?

 

Screening mammograms are vital because they help catch breast cancer early and before you notice any symptoms. Early detection gives you the best chance for successful treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, death rates from breast cancer in the United States dropped 40% between 1989 and 2017, with screenings and early detection contributing to the decline.

 

 

Screening mammograms vs. diagnostic mammograms

 

You might have heard about two types of mammograms: screening and diagnostic. Screenings are for women who do not have any symptoms of breast cancer. A screening mammogram checks the health of your breasts like an annual visit to your gynecologist checks your reproductive health. Most screening mammogram results are normal, meaning they do not detect any unusual changes in your breasts.

 

If you have any breast concerns or symptoms of cancer, such as a hard lump, your doctor may recommend a diagnostic mammogram. Using the same mammographic technology as a screening, your imaging technician will take a more detailed picture and focus on the area of concern.

 

Do I need a 3D mammogram?

 

Yes! Tomosynthesis, or 3D mammogram, provides a clearer image of breast tissue than 2D. This advanced breast imaging technology is particularly useful for women with dense breast tissue, as it allows doctors to view the breast tissue in slices, making it easier to detect any abnormalities. If you have dense breast tissue, your doctor may recommend a 3D mammogram to ensure the most accurate results.

 

Nuvance Health only uses tomosynthesis at its breast imaging locations. Find a mammogram location near me.

 

 

Preparing for your mammogram

 

Here are six things you can do to make your mammogram experience smoother:

 

  1. Avoid deodorants and lotions. These products can show up on the X-ray and interfere with the results. If you forget or need deodorant to get through the day before an evening appointment, it’s OK! Most breast imaging centers offer wipes to remove deodorant.

  2. Keep jewelry at home. You will need to remove long earrings and necklaces during a mammogram.

     

  3. Wear a two-piece outfit. This way, you only need to remove your top for the exam.

     

  4. Wear comfortable shoes. Unless you need another option, you will stand for your mammogram. While the entire screening only takes a few minutes, wearing flat-soled, comfortable shoes can make all the difference.

     

  5. Get screened well before or after your period. Avoid having a mammogram near or during your period, when your breasts may be more sensitive.

     

  6. Eat, drink and take medications as you normally would because these do not affect mammogram results.

 

Is a mammogram painful?

 

Most women feel only mild discomfort during a mammogram. The compression of the breast is necessary to get a clear image, but it only lasts 10 to 15 seconds at a time. If you are concerned, let your breast-imaging technician know; they can help make the process as comfortable as possible.

 

 

Understanding your mammogram results

 

At Nuvance Health, radiologists specializing in breast imaging review mammograms and are available to discuss the results with you. With your consent, the breast imaging facility will also share the results with your healthcare providers, such as your gynecologist or primary care provider.

 

 

If everything looks normal, you will continue with routine, annual screenings. If something looks unusual, it may result in an abnormal mammogram. 

 

Try not to panic! An abnormal result does not always mean cancer. For instance, breast cysts and fibroadenomas are common benign (non-cancerous) lumps. To gather more information, your radiologist may recommend further tests, such as a breast ultrasound or a diagnostic mammogram.

 

 

The method of getting your results depends on the breast imaging facility. At Nuvance Health, you can view your results in the patient portal. We also send a letter in the mail. We provide the results as quickly as possible because we know how stressful it can be to wait for them.

 

What will happen if my mammogram results are abnormal?

 

At Nuvance Health, a breast imaging staff member will call you to discuss the results and additional imaging if your mammogram is abnormal. They will also assist in scheduling the follow-up appointments.

 

Follow-up imaging could include a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound, MRI or biopsy. It’s common to feel anxious, but please keep in mind that most abnormal mammogram results do not indicate cancer.

 

 

Are mammograms safe during pregnancy?

 

Generally, screening mammograms are safe during pregnancy because mammography uses such a low radiation dose and targets only the breasts. While breast cancer during pregnancy is uncommon, see your doctor right away if you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, such as a new lump, dimpling in the skin or nipple discharge other than breast milk.

 

 

I have breast implants; do I need a screening mammogram?

 

Yes! Please get your annual screening mammogram if you have breast implants, because you still have breast tissue. The exception is for those who have implants after a mastectomy.

 

Tell your breast-imaging technician about your implants. They will take additional pictures of your breasts to see the tissue around the implants as much as possible.

 

 

Additional breast health screenings

 

Your doctor might recommend other breast imaging tests, especially for those with dense breast tissue. These additional breast screenings could include an ultrasound or MRI. It’s also important for everyone to perform regular breast self-exams to familiarize themselves with their breasts and notice any changes.

 

 

The bottom line: An annual screening mammogram is vital for detecting breast cancer early. Understanding the process can make it much less stressful, whether it’s your first time or part of your regular wellness routine. 

 

Most women should start annual screening mammograms at age 40 and continue them throughout their 70s. If you have risk factors for breast cancer, such as a strong family history or dense breast tissue, talk with your doctor about when you should start screenings.

 

While most mammogram results are normal, you may need further breast imaging if your results are abnormal. 

 

Stay proactive about your breast health by scheduling your screening mammogram today!