Mammography FAQs
About The Breast
What is Breast Cancer?
Frequently Asked Questions About Mammography
1. Q: How often should I have a mammogram?
Current guidelines (The American Cancer Society and The Canadian Cancer Society) indicate that starting from age 40 every woman should have a yearly mammogram. This creates a baseline mammogram. If there is a history of breast cancer, your doctor may advise commencing them earlier. Preferably, mammograms should be scheduled for the week after your period.
2. Is a mammogram painful?
There must be some compression of the breast tissue for adequate mammography. The spreading out of the breast tissue allows for a better picture to be taken. It should not be painful, though there might be some slight discomfort for a few seconds. If the mammogram is done in the week after your period, your breasts are likely to be less tender. You may wish to take an analgesic a few hours prior to your mammogram. But the technician will ask you repeatedly how you are doing to ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.
3. Q: Is the level of radiation dangerous?
No. Advances in mammography technology have led to a dramatic reduction in the level of radiation used for a mammogram. Radiation from a mammogram is now less than the radiation you would receive if you sat on the beach for a day.
4. Q: I have an implant, is a mammogram necessary or possible?
Mammograms are still possible. Having implants does not make you immune from breast cancer. Newer techniques permit excellent mammography even if you have an implant. However, make certain your technologist knows that you have an implant. You can expect to have extra pictures taken, and they will be taken slightly differently, and extra time allocated for the pictures.
5. Q: What do I do if I cannot afford a mammogram?
If you have no insurance, we will do your mammogram. We ask that you donate whatever you can. The money spent to cover your test is far less than the cost of treating advanced breast cancer.
6. Q: I have no family history of breast cancer; do I still need a mammogram?
While family history is a risk factor, remember 80% of all women who get breast cancer have absolutely no risk factors whatsoever. All women are at risk for breast cancer.
7. Q: I practice monthly BSE, why do I need a mammogram?
While practicing monthly BSE is important, it is only part of the overall plan of breast health – monthly BSE, annual clinical breast examination and mammogram. A mammogram can detect a much smaller lump than BSE, and a mammogram can detect other microscopic changes that may be an early sign of cancer.