Mammogram FAQs

mammography screen

Mammograms are an important tool to ensure your breast health overtime. We understand you may have questions and we want to answer them for you.

The most effective tool available to physicians today is the high-quality screening mammography because it detects breast cancer before lumps can be felt or symptoms of cancer appear. Early detection of breast cancer not only provides a woman with more treatment options, but also increases the possibility of a favorable prognosis. Studies show that getting a mammography can decrease the chance of mortality by nearly 40%.

As explained by the American Cancer Society: 

Compression of the breast may cause temporary discomfort, but it should not hurt, and only lasts for a few seconds for each image of the breast. The X-ray image is taken and stored digitally in the computer. 

Mammograms expose the breasts to small amounts of radiation. But the benefits of mammography outweigh any possible harm from the radiation exposure. Modern machines use low radiation doses to get breast x-rays that are high in image quality. On average the total dose for a typical mammogram with 2 views of each breast is about 0.4 millisieverts, or mSv. (A mSv is a measure of radiation dose.) The radiation dose from breast tomosynthesis can range from slightly lower to slightly higher than that from standard mammograms. 

To put these doses into perspective, people in the US are normally exposed to an average of about 3 mSv of radiation each year just from their natural surroundings. (This is called background radiation.) The dose of radiation used for a screening mammogram of both breasts is about the same amount of radiation a woman would get from her natural surroundings over about 7 weeks.

During a mammogram, the mammography tech will ask you to stand in front of the x-ray equipment. One breast is compressed between two plates to flatten and spread the tissue apart. This allows for a good picture of your breast. Compression of the breast may cause temporary discomfort, but it should not hurt, and only lasts for a few seconds for each image of the breast. The x-ray image is taken and stored digitally in the computer.

Some women find the pressure of the plates on their breasts to be uncomfortable or even somewhat painful. Digital mammography limits this discomfort greatly. Nevertheless, you should try to time your mammogram when your breasts are not particularly tender. In premenopausal women, this is usually one week after your menstrual period.

Many organizations recommend that women age 40 or over should get a screening mammogram every year, but you should also consult your doctor. Your doctor can help determine your personal level of risk and decide when you should start screening.