What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a medical test that uses low-dose x-rays to examine breasts for any abnormalities.
A mammogram is the only way to detect of breast cancers before the patient or doctor can feel them (it can show changes in the breast up to two years before the cancer has even started to grow).
Mammograms are performed for two reasons:
- Regular screening – this is a recommended test for all women over a certain age
- Diagnostic test – a mammogram is recommended in any woman of any age that finds a lump in her breast
Important mammogram facts
- A mammogram x-ray is short for a mammography
- Mammograms can be uncomfortable for women with sensitive breasts, as the test involves compressing the breast tissue to examine it properly
Why a mammogram is important
Mammograms are routinely performed for women over 50, who are recommended to have a mammogram every year until age 69, when risk of breast cancer reduces.
Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable and breast-conservation therapies are available.
USA guidelines recommend yearly screening mammograms for all women over 40 years of age.
Women who have a family history of breast cancer should be screened even more regularly, starting at an earlier age.
