When do i have a mammogram

Mayo Clinic; Siu AL, et al. Screening for breast cancer: U. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.

Annals of Internal Medicine. Smith RA, et al. Cancer screening in the United States, A review of current American Cancer Society guidelines and current issues in cancer screening. Breast cancer screening and diagnosis. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Accessed May 4, Hellquist NM, et al. Effectiveness of population-based service screening with mammography for women ages 40 to 49 years.

Bleyer A, et al. Effect of three decades of screening mammography on breast-cancer incidence. The New England Journal of Medicine. See also Alternative and complementary medicine for metastatic breast cancer Atypical hyperplasia of the breast Breast cancer Breast cancer chemoprevention Breast Cancer Education Tool Common questions about breast cancer treatment Breast cancer radiation: Can it cause dry skin?

Breast implants: Do they interfere with mammograms? Dense breast tissue Dragon Boats and Breast Cancer Enlarged breasts in men gynecomastia Fibroadenoma Fibrocystic breast changes: Linked to breast cancer? Fibrocystic breasts Galactorrhea Gene expression profiling for breast cancer: What is it? Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Genetic testing for breast cancer: Psychological and social impact Get the support you need when you have metastatic breast cancer Hypercalcemia Inflammatory breast cancer Invasive lobular carcinoma Metastatic breast cancer Lobular carcinoma in situ LCIS Male breast cancer Mammary duct ectasia Mammogram Mammogram: Can it find cancer in dense breasts?

Mastitis Metastatic breast cancer: Should you get a second opinion? For many women, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.

At this time, a mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer for most women of screening age. A breast MRI uses magnets and radio waves to take pictures of the breast. Breast MRI is used along with mammograms to screen women who are at high risk for getting breast cancer.

Because breast MRIs may appear abnormal even when there is no cancer, they are not used for women at average risk. A clinical breast exam is an examination by a doctor or nurse, who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or other changes. Being familiar with how your breasts look and feel can help you notice symptoms such as lumps, pain, or changes in size that may be of concern. These could include changes found during a breast self-exam.

You should report any changes that you notice to your doctor or health care provider. Having a clinical breast exam or doing a breast self-exam has not been found to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.

Harms can include false positive test results, when a doctor sees something that looks like cancer but is not. Fact: You do not need your doctor to write you a prescription or complete an order form for you to have a screening mammogram. Women can self-request to make an appointment for their annual mammogram for earlier detection of breast cancer. One of the best things you can do to protect and improve your health is to stay informed.

Myth 2: A mammogram will expose me to an unsafe level of radiation. A mammogram is an important step in taking care of yourself and your breasts but not knowing what to anticipate can be stressful.

Myth 3: A 3-D mammogram is the same as a traditional mammogram. Learn about this webinar. You are encouraged to talk to your doctor about the benefits and limitations of mammography.

If screening mammography is chosen, it is available every two years. If you are age 50 to 74 without a family history of breast cancer:. In this age group, the benefits of screening mammograms clearly outweigh the limitations.

If screening mammography is chosen, it is available every two to three years. If you are at high risk for breast cancer:. Screening mammograms are recommended every year if you are between and at least one of the following applies to you:. Please speak with your doctor for more information and referral. You are not eligible for a screening mammogram if you: Have breast implants see your health care provider to arrange a mammogram. Are pregnant or breastfeeding you can use the Breast Screening program three months after completely finishing breastfeeding; see your health care provider immediately if you experience any new problems.

Have a previous history of breast cancer. Have any new breast complaints such as a lump or nipple discharge see your health care provider immediately if you experience any new problems. Have had a mammogram on both breasts in the last 12 months you must wait at least one year before having another screening mammogram. Should I screen for breast cancer? You have had top surgery involving removal of most, but not all, breast tissue: Screening mammography is not recommended.

Please discuss screening options with your health care provider. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking progestin and your body mass index is greater than