What to expect during a mammogram

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and it is highly treatable in the early stages. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect changes in breast tissue. It may involve some discomfort.
In many countries, regular mammogram screenings are available, as these can help detect breast cancer in the early stages.
breast cancer
The imaging process can involve some discomfort. However, a person can take steps to reduce it, and any pain usually passes quickly.
A mammogram is quick and noninvasive. It requires no recovery time, and it can save lives.
How mammograms work
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A mammogram takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. A technician will place the breast between two plates. One plate takes an image of the breast, and the other holds the breast in place.
20 minutes
The images allow the radiographer and the doctor to see whether there are unusual changes in the breast. If there is any indication that a change could be cancerous, the doctor will recommend further tests.
Gently compressing the breast keeps it stable and provides a clearer image of the breast tissue.
Do mammograms hurt?
Several factors affect whether a mammogram causes pain or discomfort, including:
the skill of the technician
anxiety about the mammogram
anxiety
the structure of the breast
If the machine is not in the right position, this can also cause issues. For example, some people have to contort their backs, due to the height of the machine. This can lead to back or neck pain from muscle strain.
It is important to inform the technician if the position feels uncomfortable, as this can mean that the machine is at the incorrect height.
Anyone with fibrocystic breasts — the presence of harmless cysts — is more likely to experience pain during a mammogram.
fibrocystic breasts
cysts
It is important to remember that a mammogram can help detect breast cancer in the early stages.
Learn more about early signs of breast cancer.
early signs of breast cancer
How to reduce pain
There are several ways a person can help prevent a mammogram from being painful. The first step is to choose a suitable clinic.
Breastcancer.org advises people to use clinics that have American College of Radiology accreditation.
Breastcancer.org
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides a register of approved providers in each area.
register of approved providers
Next, a person can consider the following:
Timing: Schedule the mammogram for the week after a menstrual period. During and immediately before a period, hormonal swings can increase breast sensitivity.
History: Inform the technician about fibrocystic breasts and any history of painful mammograms.
Caffeine and tobacco: Consuming less caffeine and avoiding smoking may help reduce breast tenderness, according to a 2016 study. However, the research did not specify the effect during a mammogram.
2016 study
Drugs: Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, 45–60 minutes before the screening may help reduce the pain.
ibuprofen
Padding: Some mammography centers offer padding, such as the brand MammoPad. Cushioning between the breasts and the plates of the machine can significantly reduce pain.
padding
Breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths prior to the imaging can reduce tension-induced pain, and it may ultimately help produce a more accurate image.
Stay still during the imaging: Moving — even taking a breath — while the technician is actually taking the X-ray can blur the image.
Delaying if nursing: Anyone who is breastfeeding or chestfeeding, but who will wean soon, may want to delay mammograms to avoid discomfort.
How to manage pain
A person should notify the technician of any pain, particularly if it is severe. A mammogram should never hurt so much that it deters someone from future screening.
If a person is not comfortable with their technician, they may wish to ask for a different technician next time or try a different mammography center.
Many technicians are willing to take time to reduce pain. Rushing the screening can increase the risk of discomfort, while a careful approach can ensure proper placement in the machine, which can help reduce the risk of pinching and other sources of pain.
Preparation
Anyone who has previously had a mammogram should take their old images with them or ensure their doctor grants the clinic access.
This allows the health professional to compare old and new results. A comparison can increase accuracy and prevent false positive or false negative readings.
For example, a person with cysts that a doctor has already confirmed are benign may get a false positive reading if there is no previous mammogram for comparison.
Likewise, if a healthcare professional has previously spotted a small growth, the doctor can use this prior knowledge to monitor for changes. Without reference to previous results, a small growth might go unnoticed.
In most cases, the results will be ready in about 1 week. Some clinics offer same-day results.
1 week
The results can be complicated, and a doctor will often want to discuss them in person. A positive result on a mammogram can cause concern and anxiety, but it does not necessarily mean that cancer is present.
Most positive mammograms require further diagnostic tests, and many find lumps that are not cancerous.
When mammograms show unusual growths, follow-up tests are necessary. These can include:
ultrasound
ultrasound
MRI scan
MRI scan
another mammogram
blood tests
a breast biopsy
breast biopsy
When cancer is present, early treatment dramatically increases the rates of survival. According to the American Cancer Society, a person with a diagnosis of breast cancer at a localized stage has a 99% chance of living for at least another 5 years.
99%
Disadvantages
Mammograms are safe, but they involve brief exposure to very low levels of radiation. For this reason, a doctor is unlikely to recommend one during pregnancy.
The risk of radiation exposure is minimal, and mammograms remain an important screening method for healthy women outside of pregnancy.
minimal
The main limitations of mammograms are:
limitations
False-positive results: The image may indicate that cancer is present when it is not, leading to unnecessary further testing and, potentially, anxiety. Bringing previous results can help reduce this risk.
False-negative results: A mammogram may not reveal a lump or change that is very small. Some changes — particularly in dense breast tissue — do not show up.
Mammograms do not detect all breast cancers: Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but aggressive type that causes skin changes, swelling, pain, and inflammation. There may or may not be a lump.
Inflammatory breast cancer
inflammation
Due to the limitations of the imaging technology, it is important for everyone to be familiar with the regular shape and feel of their breasts to help recognize unusual changes.
Learn how to do a breast self-examination.
breast self-examination
When to have a mammogram
American College of Physicians guidelines recommend the following screening schedule for women with an average risk of breast cancer:
American College of Physicians guidelines
Ages 40–49 years: Ask a doctor for guidance.
Ages 50–74 years: Undergo mammography screening every 2 years.
Ages 75 years and above: Discontinue screening.
A doctor will also recommend discontinuing mammograms in a person with a life expectancy of fewer than 10 years.
People with any of the following may need additional screening:
a personal history of breast cancer or high risk breast lesions
genetic factors, such as mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
a history of chest radiation exposure during childhood
People should discuss their history and risk levels with their doctor, who can make personalized recommendations.
Other organizations, including the American Cancer Society, have different guidance.
Each person should speak with a doctor about whether to have regular screening, as the most suitable choice varies among individuals.
Summary
A mammogram is a simple and noninvasive screening that takes around 20 minutes. It also requires minimal preparation and recovery time.
As a result of scientific advances, detecting and treating breast cancer in the early stages means there is usually an excellent chance of survival.
A mammogram can be uncomfortable for a short time, but it is a useful tool for detecting and treating breast cancer.
Learn more about preparing for a mammogram.
preparing for a mammogram
Are the screening and development of breast cancer the same for trans people and cisgender men as they are for cisgender women?
Breast cancer occurs in the breast cells or tissues. Even though cisgender men do not have milk-producing breasts, their breast cells and tissues can still develop cancer. In short, a transgender person can develop breast cancer.
All adults who have a genetic mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene will almost always have a referral for regular mammography screening. For the most part, it’s important to practice breast self-awareness so people can discuss unusual changes with doctors.
Read this article in Spanish.
Read this article in Spanish.