How Often Do I Need to Get a Mammogram?
Mammograms are a way of detecting the early stages of breast cancer.
It can tell if there are changes in the breast tissue that could be cancerous.
The pictures are taken from at least two different angles.
This creates a set of images for each breast.
Breast tissue will appear white and opaque and fatty tissue will appear darker.
In a screening mammogram, the x-ray is done from top to bottom and side to side.
A mammogram is done as part of a regular exam by a physician to provide a reference for future comparison.
It is also used to evaluate changes in the breast.
You will stand in front of an x-ray machine.
The technologist will place your breast between two radiographic breast supports.
The supports will be pressed together, flattening the breast.
The compression is necessary to obtain the clearest possible picture with the least amount of radiation.
There may be some discomfort from the pressure of the compression.
It will only last a short time while the x-ray is being taken.
If the pressure is too great, tell the technologist performing the exam.
To minimize discomfort, scheduling the test ten days after your last period starts may help.
Your breasts are least likely to be tender at this time.
After the mammogram, there may be a temporary discoloration of skin or aching as a result of the compression.
You will be able to resume your regular duties immediately.
After a certain age, the risk of breast cancer increases.
There is disagreement with some experts about when is the time to start getting mammograms.
Yearly screening is recommended for women starting at age 40.
The US Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend screenings for women in their 40's.
The task force says that women between 50 and 74 should have mammograms every two years.
They do not recommend screening after age 74.
The results will be sent to your doctor, who will discuss with you the results with you.
Mammography facilities are required to send your results to you by mail within a month.
If there is a problem, you will be contacted within five days of your test.
If you hear nothing in ten days, things are most likely normal.
According to information, approximately one to two of every 1,000 tests leads to a cancer diagnosis.
About 10 percent of women will require an additional test.
It can tell if there are changes in the breast tissue that could be cancerous.
The pictures are taken from at least two different angles.
This creates a set of images for each breast.
Breast tissue will appear white and opaque and fatty tissue will appear darker.
In a screening mammogram, the x-ray is done from top to bottom and side to side.
A mammogram is done as part of a regular exam by a physician to provide a reference for future comparison.
It is also used to evaluate changes in the breast.
You will stand in front of an x-ray machine.
The technologist will place your breast between two radiographic breast supports.
The supports will be pressed together, flattening the breast.
The compression is necessary to obtain the clearest possible picture with the least amount of radiation.
There may be some discomfort from the pressure of the compression.
It will only last a short time while the x-ray is being taken.
If the pressure is too great, tell the technologist performing the exam.
To minimize discomfort, scheduling the test ten days after your last period starts may help.
Your breasts are least likely to be tender at this time.
After the mammogram, there may be a temporary discoloration of skin or aching as a result of the compression.
You will be able to resume your regular duties immediately.
After a certain age, the risk of breast cancer increases.
There is disagreement with some experts about when is the time to start getting mammograms.
Yearly screening is recommended for women starting at age 40.
The US Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend screenings for women in their 40's.
The task force says that women between 50 and 74 should have mammograms every two years.
They do not recommend screening after age 74.
The results will be sent to your doctor, who will discuss with you the results with you.
Mammography facilities are required to send your results to you by mail within a month.
If there is a problem, you will be contacted within five days of your test.
If you hear nothing in ten days, things are most likely normal.
According to information, approximately one to two of every 1,000 tests leads to a cancer diagnosis.
About 10 percent of women will require an additional test.
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