Mammogram

What is it?

A mammogram (MAM-o-gram) is an x-ray of your breasts. It may help find early cancers that are too small to be felt during your breast self-exam. It can also be done to check a lump that was found during a breast self-exam or medical checkup. If caregivers learn from a mammogram that you have breast cancer, they can start treatment quickly.

Who should have a mammogram?

Some experts suggest that women 40 years of age and older should have a mammogram every year. Other experts suggest that women between the ages of 50 and 74 years old should have a mammogram every two years. Talk to your caregiver about mammograms, and when you should have them.

Why should I have a mammogram?

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. It is best to find breast cancer early. Most breast lumps or changes in your breasts are not cancer.

What are the risks of having a mammogram?

During a mammogram, you will be exposed to a very small amount of radiation. Although they find many types of cancer, mammograms may miss some breast cancers.

How do I get ready for a mammogram?

• Take a shower or bath before the mammogram. Do not put deodorant, powder, lotion, or perfume on your breasts or under your arms. Doing this may cause the mammogram pictures to turn out wrong.
  
  
• Wear a two-piece outfit like a shirt and pants or a skirt. For the mammogram, you will be asked to take off all your clothes from the waist up. Do not wear any jewelry around your neck.
  
  
• Call your caregiver if you cannot come to your mammogram appointment on time. You should also call the caregiver if you have questions or concerns about the mammogram.
  
  
• Bring a list of the dates and places of your past mammograms and other breast tests or treatments.

How is a mammogram done?

Two x-rays are usually done for each breast, one top view and one side view. If you have breast implants or breast problems, more x-rays may need to done. A regular mammogram usually takes about 20 minutes.

• You will be given a hospital gown. Take off all your clothes from the waist up. Wear the hospital gown so that it opens in the front.
  
  
• Tell the person doing the mammogram if you have breast implants. Tell them about any breast problems or changes before you have the mammogram. Tell them if you are nervous, scared, or upset about having a mammogram. The person may ask if you take hormone medicine, have family members with breast cancer, and other questions.
  
  
• You will sit or stand next to a small x-ray table. The caregiver doing the test will help you place one of your breasts on the x-ray plate. Your breast will be moved until the correct position has been found.
  
  
  • Your breast will be gently flattened between two plastic plates for a few seconds. Having your breasts spread flat and wide helps your caregiver take the best mammogram picture. This makes it easier for them to see if there are any problems in your breasts. Your breasts will be flattened only long enough to get an x-ray picture. You may feel uncomfortable while your breasts are flattened.
    
    
  • You will be asked to hold your breath while the x-ray is taken. Another x-ray will be taken of the same breast after the position of the x-ray machine has been changed.
    
    
  • Your other breast will be x-rayed the same way.

What if I have large or tender breasts?

• Breast implants: It is important for your caregiver to know about your breast implants before you have your mammogram. Your caregiver may need to take extra x-rays of each breast. You may have four x-rays per breast, while a person without implants may only have two x-rays per breast. Special care will be taken during your x-rays so that your implants will not break. Your mammogram may take 20 to 30 minutes or longer.
  
  
• Breast feeding: You may have a mammogram even if you are breast feeding. Express as much milk as possible from your breasts before the mammogram.
  
  
• Tender breasts: If your breasts are tender before your monthly period, do not have a mammogram during this time. Schedule your mammogram to be done one week after your regular period.

What happens after my mammogram?

Your breasts may feel tender for a short while after the mammogram. You may do all your regular activities right after the mammogram. Ask your caregiver when you should have another mammogram.

What is a breast self-exam?

You may want to do breast self-exams (BSE). Doing BSEs can help you learn what your breasts normally look and feel like. Knowing what is normal for your breasts can help you quickly know when breasts changes happen. Breast changes may be swelling, lumps, or dimpling, scaling, and redness of the breast or nipple. Some other changes are pain, nipple discharge (that is not breast milk), and nipples that begin to pull inward. Call a caregiver right away if you have any breast changes that you think may not be normal. Do this even if you have just recently had a mammogram. Ask your caregiver to give you information about how to do a BSE.

How can I find out if my mammogram was okay?

If you have not heard about your mammogram results within ten days, call your caregiver. Ask if your mammogram is normal. If it is not, you may need to start treatment or have more tests done right away. You should also receive a mammogram report in the mail within 30 days after your mammogram.

Where can I get a free or low cost mammogram?

Contact the following organization for information.

• The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
  4770 Buford Highway NE, MS K-64
  Atlanta , GA 30341
  Phone: 1- 800- - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about taking care of your breasts and having mammograms. You can then discuss choices with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what choices may be best for you. You always have the right to refuse and make your own decisions.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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