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a biopsy, a test where a small amount of Mammograms tissue is taken from the lump and area around the lump. The tissue is sent to a lab to look for cancer or changes that may mean cancer is likely to develop. WomensHealth.gov Q: What is the best method of Breast lumps or growths can be benign 1-800-994-9662 detecting breast cancer? (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). TDD: 1-888-220-5446 A: A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, Finding breast cancer early means that a along with a clinical breast exam (an woman has a better chance of surviving exam done by your doctor) is the most the disease. There are also more choices effective way to detect breast cancer for treatment when breast cancer is early. Mammograms have both benefits found early. and limitations. For example, some cancers can't be detected by a Q: Are there different types of mammogram, but may be detectable by breast exam. mammograms? A: G Screening mammograms are done Checking your own breasts for lumps or for women who have no symptoms other changes is called a breast self- of breast cancer. When you reach exam (BSE). Studies so far have not age 40, you should have a shown that BSE alone reduces the mammogram every one to two numbers of deaths from breast cancer. years. BSE should not take the place of clinical breast exam and a mammogram. G Diagnostic mammograms are done when a woman has symptoms of Q: What is a mammogram? breast cancer or a breast lump. This mammogram takes longer than A: A mammogram is a safe test used to screening mammograms because look for any problems with a woman’s more pictures of the breast are breasts. The test uses a special, low- taken. dose x-ray machine to take pictures of both breasts. The results are recorded G Digital mammograms take an on x-ray film or directly onto a electronic image of the breast and computer for a radiologist to examine. store it directly in a computer. Current research has not shown that Mammograms allow the doctor to have digital images are better at finding a closer look for breast lumps and cancer than x-ray film images. changes in breast tissue. They can show small lumps or growths that a doctor or woman may not be able to feel when Q: How is a mammogram done? doing a clinical breast exam. A: You stand in front of a special x-ray “Mammography” is the best screening machine. The person who takes the x- tool that doctors have for finding breast rays, called a radiologic technologist, cancer. places your breasts (one at a time) If a lump is found, your doctor may between two plastic plates. The plates order other tests, such as ultrasound or press your breast to make it f lat. You page 1

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will feel pressure on your breast for a Q: Where can I get a mammogram? few seconds. It may cause you some A: Be sure to get a mammogram from a discomfort; you might feel squeezed or facility certified by the FDA. These pinched. But, the f latter your breast, places must meet high standards for the better the picture. Most often, two WomensHealth.gov their x-ray machines and staff. Check pictures are taken of each breast-one out the FDA’s Web site on the Internet 1-800-994-9662 from the side and one from above. A at: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ TDD: 1-888-220-5446 screening mammogram takes about 15 mammography/certified.html for a list minutes from start to finish. of FDA-certified mammography facilities. Some of these facilities also Q: What if I have breast implants? offer digital mammograms. A: If you have breast implants, be sure to Your doctor, local medical clinic, or tell your mammography facility that local or state health department can tell you have them when you make your you where to get no-cost or low-cost appointment. You will need an x-ray mammograms. Or you can call the radiologic technologist who is trained National Cancer Institute's Cancer in x-raying patients with implants. This Information Service toll free at 1-800- is important because breast implants 422-6237 or visit online at can hide some breast tissue, which www.cancer.gov for information on could make if difficult for the no-cost or low-cost mammograms. radiologist to see breast cancer when TTY is 1-800-332-8615 looking at your mammograms. For this reason, to take a mammogram of a Q: How do I get ready for my breast with an implant, the x-ray mammogram? technician might gently lift the breast A: First, check with the place you are tissue slightly away from the implant. having the mammogram for any special instructions you may need to follow Q: How often should I get a before you go. Here are some general mammogram? guidelines to follow: G A: Women 40 years and older should G Make your mammogram get a mammogram every 1 to 2 appointment for one week after years. your period. Your breasts hurt less G Women who have had breast cancer after your period. or other breast problems or who G If you have breast implants, be sure have a family history of breast cancer to tell your mammography facility might need to start getting that you have them when you make mammograms before age 40 or they your appointment. might need to get them more often. G Wear a shirt with shorts, pants, or a Talk to your doctor about when to skirt. This way, you can undress start and how often you should have from the waist up and leave your a mammogram. shorts, pants, or skirt on when you get your mammogram. page 2

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G Don’t wear any deodorant, perfume, G “False negatives” can happen. This lotion, or powder under your arms means everything may look normal, or on your breasts on the day of but cancer is actually present. False your mammogram appointment. negatives don’t happen often. These things can make shadows Younger women are more likely to WomensHealth.gov show up on your mammogram. have a false negative mammogram 1-800-994-9662 than are older women. This is because the breast tissue is denser, TDD: 1-888-220-5446 Q: Are there any problems with making cancer harder to spot. mammograms? A: As with any medical test, mammograms G “False positives” can happen. This is have limits. These limits include: when the mammogram results look like cancer is present, even though it G They are only part of a complete is not. False positives are more breast exam. Your doctor also common in younger women than should do a clinical breast exam. If older women. I your mammogram finds something abnormal, your doctor will order other tests.

For more information…

For more information on mammograms, contact the National Women’s Health Information Center 1-800-994-9662 or the following organizations:

National Cancer Institute’s Cancer American Cancer Society Information Service Phone: (800) 227-2345 (24 hours) Phone: toll-free (800) 422-6237 Internet Address: http://www.cancer.org/ (800) 4-CANCER Internet Address: www.cancer.gov or to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer chat online: www.cancer.gov and click on Foundation “Need Help” Phone: (800) 462-9273 Internet Address: http://www.komen.org/

This FAQ was reviewed by the National Cancer Institute.

April 2006

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