Salir
One in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.
Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death among American women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fortunately, regular mammograms can greatly increase the chance of finding breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat and survival rates are highest.
Lillian Ivansco, MD, a breast radiologist for Kaiser Permanente in Georgia, answers common questions about mammograms.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast. It’s used to look for changes that may be signs of breast cancer. Having regular mammograms is the best way to find breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat successfully.
When should I start (and stop) getting mammograms?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
“Start by having a conversation with your doctor to determine your individual risk,” said Dr. Ivansco.
“Your doctor will ask about your personal medical and reproductive history as well as your family history of certain cancers.”
At Kaiser Permanente, women with average breast cancer risk have the option of receiving mammograms every 1 to 2 years once they turn 40.
For people with above-average risk, recommended screening schedules vary. Talk to your doctor about your situation.
Once you turn 75, have a conversation with your doctor about the benefits and risks of continued screening.
How should I prepare for my mammogram?
On the day of your mammogram, don’t use deodorant or lotion. These may contain minerals that can show up as specks or dots on your mammogram and mimic abnormalities.
Do wear a separate top and bottom instead of a dress or jumpsuit. This will make it easier to undress from the waist up.
If you had breast imaging done outside of Kaiser Permanente within the past few years and have those images on a disc, bring it to your appointment. Comparing your current mammogram to old images helps the radiologist detect subtle changes in your breast that might signal cancer.
What are dense breasts?
A woman’s breast contains 3 kinds of tissue: Fibrous tissue holds the breast tissue in place. Glandular tissue is the part of the breast that makes milk. Fatty tissue fills the space between fibrous and glandular tissue.
Dense breasts have more fibrous and glandular tissue and less fatty tissue.
Nearly half of all women 40 and older have dense breasts. Only a mammogram can show if you have dense breasts — it can’t be felt in an exam.
People with dense breasts have a slightly higher chance of getting breast cancer. Dense breasts can also make it harder to find breast cancer. That’s because fibrous and glandular tissue can mask tumors.
Getting regular mammograms allows your doctor to see small changes in your breasts over time.
Why was I asked to come back in after my mammogram?
It’s not unusual to be asked to come back in after a mammogram, and it doesn’t mean you have breast cancer. In fact, most abnormalities found during a screening mammogram aren't breast cancer.
Usually, if your care team wants to see you again, it’s to take another look at a specific area. The team may do special mammogram images or a targeted ultrasound.
Are mammograms safe?
Yes, mammograms are safe. When you get a mammogram, you’re briefly exposed to a very small amount of radiation. But the benefits of regular breast cancer screening far exceed any possible harm.
In fact, the dose of radiation used for a mammogram of both breasts is roughly equal to the radiation you’re exposed to by living in the United States for 7 weeks.
How well do mammograms work?
Mammograms work very well. Mammograms have helped reduce breast cancer deaths in the U.S. by nearly 40% since 1990.
“Getting regular mammograms can save your life,” said Dr. Ivansco.