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What is Mammography?
Mammography is a simple safe x-ray examination of the breast. Mammography is the best way of detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages.
Why do I need a Mammogram?
The primary role of mammography is in the early detection of breast cancer - screening mammography. It is also an important part of the clinical workup in women with breast complaints - diagnostic mammography.
A mammogram can show a small cancer up to two years before it can be felt as a lump. Mammograms can often indicate whether or not a lump is a cancer. The great majority of lumps turn out to be harmless.
How accurate is Mammography?
Mammography is the most advanced, effective, accurate way to detect early breast cancer. Having a regular mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early before it can be felt.
However, approximately 10% of all breast cancers will not be identified by mammography alone. If a suspicious abnormality is present, normal mammography should not influence the decision to biopsy.
How safe is it?
The benefits of early cancer detection far outweigh the very small risks associated with the extremely low levels of radiation (xrays) used in mammography.
How is Mammography done?
A trained technologist will take two pictures of each breast. A special device is used to compress or flatten the breast to produce a more uniform thickness. The examination takes only a few minutes, and the whole visit takes about 20 minutes.
Two radiologists interpret and double read the mammograms. Mammographic equipment and processes are subject to quality assurance programmes to ensure examinations of a high standard.
Does it hurt?
It may feel uncomfortable because each breast is held quite firmly for a few seconds while the xray is taken. Brief compression might caught mild discomfort but most women do not consider it painful.
Shall I bring my previous Mammograms?
It is important for the radiologists interpreting the mammogram to have previous studies for comparison. A change may indicate early problems. It is important that you keep the films and bring them with you on subsequent occasions.
How often should I have screening Mammograms?
It is recommended that you have mammography every year over the age of 40.
Women who have already had breast cancer, or who have sisters or mothers with breast cancer, particularly if they had it before the menopause should be particularly vigilant. Regular examination of your breasts by a doctor or women's health nurse is also recommended.
Questions?
Discuss any questions about concerns you may have about mammography with your own doctor, the radiologist or technician at the time of the examination.
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