Is It Time for a Mammogram?

What Is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray that’s taken of your breasts to search for lumps. There are two types:

• Screening
• Diagnostic

Screening mammograms are used to check for breast cancer in women with no signs or symptoms of the disease. A radiologist will take two or more X-ray digital images of each breast.

The X-rays can sometimes show lumps that can’t be felt. Screening mammograms can also show tiny deposits of calcium. Calcium can sometimes be an early sign of breast cancer.

A diagnostic mammogram can be used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found.

You should go to your doctor right away and schedule a diagnostic mammogram, if you have:

• A lump in your breast or armpit
• Thickening or swelling in part of your breast
• Irritation or dimpling of your breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in your nipple area or your breast
• Pulling in of your nipple or pain in your nipple area
• Nipple discharge, including blood
• Any change in the size or the shape of your breast
• Pain in any area of your breast

Keep in mind, these symptoms could be caused by other conditions that aren’t cancer.

What Are the Benefits?

For many women, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early. It may not be big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Finding it early means it may be easier to treat. Getting regular mammograms can lower your risk of death from breast cancer, too.

Trials and other studies show that mammograms can help prevent breast cancer deaths among women ages 40 to 74, who are at average risk of getting the disease. In studies, patients ages 50 to 69 were shown to get the most benefit from mammograms preventing breast cancer deaths.

When and How Often Should You Be Screened?

If you’re over age 65, you might be thinking you don’t need to get a mammogram. Maybe you went in the past and the test came up negative.

But the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) suggests that women ages 50 to 74 at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. The USPSTF is a national organization of doctors and disease experts who look at research on the best way to prevent diseases. They give guidelines to doctors and patients based on the research.

Talk to you doctor to decide what schedule is right for you. But if you notice changes in your breast, contact your doctor as soon as possible, even if you’ve been screened recently.

Where Can You Get a Mammogram?

Women can get high-quality mammograms in:

• Clinics
• Hospital radiology departments
• Mobile vans
• Private radiology offices
• Doctors’ offices

If you’re not sure where you can get a mammogram near you, speak with your doctor. As a Braven Health Member, breast cancer screening is part of your preventive health benefits.