Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Gynecologic Oncology Program

Breast Care Program

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Mammography: Guidelines For Women

Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women today. Although it is considered a disease of older women, many younger women may develop this problem as well. This is especially true for women with a positive family history of breast cancer.

Mammography is a special x-ray test used to find breast cancers. It is the only widely available screening tool used to find small breast cancers that cannot be felt by exam. The smaller the cancer, the less likely it is to spread, and the better the outcome. The combination of your monthly self-exam, your healthcare provider's yearly exam, and the mammogram gives the best rate of finding a breast cancer.

It is recommended that women between the ages of 50 to 69 have a mammogram every year. Mammography may be indicated yearly for women between ages 40 to 49. Consult your healthcare provider for recommendations for you about mammography.

Risk increases for all women who:

• have a family or personal history of breast cancer

• had a previous precancer of the breast

• do not have children, or had their children later in life or

• are elderly

Getting a mammogram is easy and includes the following: providing a personal health history, undressing to the waist, and putting on a special gown. In the testing room, a technician will place the breast between two plastic plates and apply pressure gently but firmly to flatten the breast. The pressure lasts only a few seconds and may feel uncomfortable, but should not be painful. This flattening allows the x-ray to see more of the tissue deep within your breast. Two or three different views of each breast are taken to check the whole breast. The x-rays are read by a radiologist, and the results are reported to the healthcare provider.

The test is not perfect. In fact, a lump that you or your healthcare provider may feel may not even show up on the mammogram. This lump is still a concern and will require taking a sample, called a biopsy.

Consult the UI Health Care Cancer Information Service for more information about this topic.

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