The mammogram exam

Mammography (mam-OG-rah-fee) is a diagnostic test used to screen for breast cancer. It is very important in the early detection of breast cancer because it can find tumors and irregularities in the breast tissue that are still too small to be felt by you or your doctor. A mammogram uses a low-dose X-ray to take an image of the inside of your breast. The exam usually takes about 20 minutes. Each breast is lifted onto a kind of shelf, then a plate above it is lowered, to flatten out the breast tissue for better viewing during the X-ray. Tumors detected by a mammogram may be benign or cancerous, and further tests and even removal of the lump, called an excisional biopsy, may be necessary before a definite diagnosis can be made. Be sure to schedule your mammogram at least seven days after your last period started and two weeks before your next period is expected. This is a time when breasts will be least tender. The test is generally not painful, but some women experience minor discomfort as the breast tissue is pressed by the plate. On the day of your mammogram, don't use deodorant, perfume, or powder. The American Medical Association recommends that women have a baseline mammogram by the age of 40 and receive a mammogram every one to two years until age 50. Women over 50 should have a mammogram every year. Because women who have a sister or mother with breast cancer are considered high risk, they may need a mammogram at a younger age or more often, depending on family history. For more information about mammograms, talk to a health care provider.