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TwitThisHere's a guide to questions you may have about mammography. Just click on a question to get the answer.
- What is mammography?
- How often should I get tested?
- What are the benefits?
- What are the limitations?
- What are the risks?
- What should I expect?
- How much does it cost?
- Where should I go for the test?
- What do the results mean?
Mammography is an x-ray of the breasts that is performed to help screen for or diagnose breast cancer. The resulting picture is called a mammogram. This x-ray is different from the one used for other parts of the body. It does not penetrate tissue as easily as the x-ray used for routine chest films or x-rays of the limbs (arms, legs).
How often should I get tested?
Women should have their first mammogram at age 40. However, there is still some disagreement about how often women in their forties should get tested. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends an annual mammogram for women in their forties, but the National Cancer Institute recommends mammograms every one to two years. Talk to your doctor about what's right for you.
Women who are at higher risk of breast cancer -- because of a family or personal history of the disease, for instance, -- should talk to their doctors about whether to begin screening before age 40.
What are the benefits?
Several studies have shown that regular mammograms can help decrease the chance of dying from breast cancer. The benefits of regular screening mammograms are greatest for women over age 50. For women in their forties, having mammograms on a regular basis reduces the chance of dying from breast cancer by about 17%. For women ages 50 to 69, studies show that regular mammograms reduce breast cancer deaths by 25% to 30%.
What are the limitations?
Although highly effective, mammograms are not foolproof. Overall, mammograms miss approximately 10% of breast cancers. False negatives occur more often among younger women than older women because the dense breasts of younger women make cancerous lumps more difficult to spot. As women age, breast tissues becomes more fatty and cancers are more easily "seen" by screening mammograms.
Mammograms may also detect something that turns out not to be cancerous. Between 5 and 10% of mammograms are abnormal and need to be followed up with additional testing (a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy. Most abnormalities turn out not to be cancer.
Lastly, mammography may not help a woman with a fast-growing or aggressive cancer that has already spread to other parts of her body.
What are the risks?
There is always a slight risk of damage to cells or tissue with any radiation. However, the risk of damage from x-rays is very low compared with the potential benefits of the test. In addition, newer x-ray techniques have dramatically reduced radiation exposure during mammography. The dose of radiation a woman receives from a mammogram is similar to that from a dental x-ray.
What should I expect?
First, be prepared. On the day of the test, don't use any deodorant, perfume, powders, or ointments because the residue left on your skin by these substances may interfere with the x-rays. You will be asked to undress above the waist, so you may want to wear a two-piece outfit, rather than a dress. You'll have to remove your jewelry, too.
One at a time, your breasts will be placed on a flat glass plate that contains the x-ray film. Another plate is then pressed firmly against your breast to help flatten out the breast tissue. To obtain the best pictures, your breast will be squeezed, which may be uncomfortable but rarely painful. For your comfort, try to schedule your mammogram for the week after your period, when your breasts are least tender. Usually at least two pictures are taken of each breast, one from the top and one from the side. The test takes about 10 to 20 minutes, but your breasts will compressed for only a few seconds.
How much does it cost?
Screening mammograms usually cost between $100 and $150. However, most states now have laws requiring health insurance companies to reimburse all or part of the cost. Ask your insurance company or health care provider for more information. Medicare covers most of the cost of a screening mammogram each year for beneficiaries ages 40 and older. Information on coverage is available through the Medicare Hotline at 1-800-MEDICARE.
In addition, some state and local health programs and employers provide mammograms free or at low cost. Information on low-cost or free mammography screening programs is available through the National Cancer Institute's (NCI's) Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.
Where should I go for the test?
Women can get high-quality mammograms in breast clinics, hospital radiology departments, mobile vans, private radiology offices, and doctors' offices.
The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) is a Federal law designed to ensure that mammograms are safe and reliable. The law requires that all facilities be accredited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), be inspected annually, and meet stringent quality standards. All mammography facilities are required to display certification by the FDA. Women should look for the FDA certificate and check its expiration date.
You can get more information about local FDA-certified mammography facilities from the NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.
What do the results mean?
Your x-rays will be examined for any abnormalities. If your results are normal, that means no unusual growths, lumps, or other types of abnormal tissue could be seen.
Abnormal mammogram results require additional tests (such as a biopsy) to determine if cancer is present. However, most abnormalities found during mammography are not cancer. In fact, only one or two mammograms out of every 1,000 lead to a diagnosis of cancer.
If you do not hear from your physician within 10 days, do not assume that your mammogram was normal. Call your physician or the facility to be sure.
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