What is a Mammogram? Everything You Need to Know

A mammogram is a procedure required for the detection of breast cancer.
It is an X-ray of the breast, which along with self-examinations and clinical tests, helps in the early diagnosis of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer found in women worldwide, making up more than 25% of all cases.
Due to this, getting a mammogram beyond the age of 40 becomes necessary even if it feels uncomfortable and intrusive.
Here’s everything you need to know about mammograms:

A regular X-ray of the breast as part of a general checkup is usually known as a screening mammogram.
It just provides a single X-ray of the breast and searches for any irregularities.
Diagnostic mammograms are conducted in cases where a medical professional has felt lumps in the breasts.
The diagnostic mammogram is more extensive, requiring X-ray images from multiple angles to find breast cancer.
Diagnostic mammograms become a necessity if a person has breast implants.

Due to the high incidence of breast cancer, experts advise women above forty years of age to get a mammogram once a year or every two years.
Some experts believe these regular screenings should start after the age of 45.
Early screenings are often advised to women with a family history of breast cancer.

A mammogram appointment requires certain preparation on your end.
Substances such as deodorants, perfumes, body powders, and any ointments on the underarms or breasts are to be avoided.
They often show up as white marks on the X-rays.
Make sure you visit the same facility for your regular mammograms.
In case you have to get screened at a different place, make sure to carry the previous reports with you.
Let your radiologist know if you are breastfeeding or pregnant as X-rays are not carried out during such cases.
The radiologist might employ another method for screening the breasts, such as an ultrasound.

You will have to undress down to the waist and may be given a smock or gown that ties to the front of the body.
You might be made to stand on sit, with each breast going on an X-ray plate.
Multiple images are taken in this position, and the technician is going to review each image as it develops.
It can cause some discomfort, but the procedure only lasts for a few minutes.
Digital mammograms make the process quicker as the X-ray gets converted to an electronic image, making the technician’s job more efficient.

Much like regular X-rays, mammograms are completely safe.
They do expose you to radiation, but in such small amounts as to not prove harmful.
However, they can be harmful to a developing fetus.
A pregnant woman is usually given a lead apron to wear if the mammogram is necessary.

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