Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesAge for ScreeningLimitationsRisks and ContraindicationsCost and InsuranceWhat to ExpectInterpreting ResultsFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Uses

Age for Screening

Limitations

Risks and Contraindications

Cost and Insurance

What to Expect

Interpreting Results

Frequently Asked Questions

Mammograms are an important screening test. They can sometimes detect breast cancer in its earliest stages before any symptoms are present. This is important because earlydiagnosisleads to better outcomes.

This article will explain what to expect during a mammogram (including what it feels like), what types of tests are available, and the importance of keeping up with your annual health checks.

Mammography

What a Mammogram Is Used For

Mammograms are recommended as a routine screening test to look for evidence of breast cancer in people who don’t have any symptoms.

Verywell / Cindy Chung

what to expect during a mammogram

A mammogram may also be done as a diagnostic test for those who have anysigns or symptoms of breast cancer, such as:

Age You Should Get a Mammogram

Different organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have somewhat different breast cancer screening guidelines.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force says all women ages 40 to 74 should get a mammogram every two years.Other recommendations vary, with some recommending starting screening later or having mammograms annually.

These recommendations are intended for women ataverage risk only. Those with certain risk factors may require earlier or more frequent mammograms or other screening tests, such asmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Talk to your healthcare provider to decide when is the best time for you to begin annual or biennial screening.

Do Men Get Mammograms?

A mammogram may be recommended for men who are found to have mutations in the BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 genes.

Male breast canceris much less common than breast cancer in women, but it does occur.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

It is important to remember that mammograms cannot diagnose breast cancer but can only reveal suspicious findings. A breast biopsy (removing a sample of tissue for examination in a lab) would be needed to make a definitive diagnosis.

Also keep in mind that a mammogram has limitations in terms of how accurate its results are. Despite being highly valuable, mammograms can vary in their sensitivity (the ability to correctly identify people with the disease) and specificity (the ability to correctly identify people without the disease).

False Negatives

A mammogram may not detect the presence of breast cancer when it is there. This is referred to as a false-negative result.

Dense breast tissue can make it harder to detect breast cancer on a mammogram. Your report will state if your breasts are “dense" or “not dense.”Those with dense breasts may consider the option of additional screening, such as breast ultrasound or fast breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

In early studies, fast breast MRI better detects breast cancer (especially more aggressive breast cancers) with fewer false positives (incorrectly indicates breast cancer is present when it is not) than the combination of mammography and ultrasound. Some studies suggest that fast MRI may be comparable to conventional MRI, which is the screening method of choice for women who are high risk.

Breast cancers such asinflammatory breast cancerandPaget’s diseaseof the breast are less likely than other types to be seen on a screening mammogram.In addition, most women who have inflammatory breast cancer also have dense breasts, which further reduces the chance of spotting these cancers.

Why Mammograms Are Done Before Ultrasounds

False Positives

Mammograms may also raise concern over harmless breast changes, particularly with regards to benign (noncancerous) breast lesions that canmimic breast cancer. These can lead to false-positive results, which can lead to more invasive testing and unnecessary treatment.

False-positive results are more common in younger women who have dense breasts, for those who have had previous surgery on their breast (such as a breast biopsy), for those who are using hormonal therapy, and for those who have risk factors for breast cancer.

Having a baseline mammogram available to compare with has been found to significantly reduce the chance of getting a false-positive result. A baseline mammogram usually is a person’s first mammogram.

Forpeople who have breast implants, images may not be as accurate without special views, as X-rays don’t travel well through either saline or silicone, the materials used to fill implants. With special views (two for each breast) however, the accuracy is greatly improved.

More than 50% of women who are screened every year for 10 years in the United States will likely get a false-positive result, according to the National Cancer Institute.

How Breast Cancer Is Diagnosed

Similar Tests

You may hear a distinction between conventional mammography and digital mammography, which is most commonly used in the United States. The difference between the two is that conventional mammography is stored on film, whereas digital mammography is stored on solid state detectors.

Digital mammograms have the advantage of being able to be moved and magnified during readings and can be transferred electronically. They are also more accurate in women with dense breasts and involve less radiation.

That said, digital mammography is usually more expensive than conventional mammography, and in some areas of the world, only conventional mammography may be available.

There are other forms of mammography that are now available or being evaluated in studies.

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), better known as 3D mammography, is similar to acomputed tomography (CT) scanthat uses multiple X-ray slices to create a three-dimensional image of the breast.

DBT involves slightly more radiation than digital mammography, and it’s not known yet known if there are any significant advantages of this technology. Optical mammography is also being evaluated for accuracy, but more studies need to be done before recommending this option.

Other tests that complement mammograms may includeelastography. This is a test that looks at the elasticity of the breast. It is sometimes used to determine if a biopsy is needed on a mass that is found.

Why Not Annual Ultrasounds Instead of Mammograms?

Other Tests You May Have Done

A number of different tests may be ordered along with a mammogram. If you find a lump, or if there is suspicion of a lump on a mammogram, a breast ultrasound may also be done. A breast ultrasound can help differentiate a cystic mass (breast cyst)from a solid mass.

Women who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer orwomen who have dense breastsmay benefit from additional screenings, such as combining a breast MRI with mammography.

Mammograms expose women to a small amount of radiation, the amount of which rarely causes illness.

According to a 2016 study in theAnnals of Internal Medicine, an estimated 125 of every 100,000 women who undergo an annual mammogram will develop radiation-induced breast cancer, of whom 16 (or 0.00016 percent) will die.

(By comparison, among the same group of women, 968 breast cancer deaths could be avoided as a result of the mammograms.)

The risk of radiation from mammograms is expected to be higher in those who receive higher doses of radiation and in women who have larger breasts, as they require additional radiation to accurately view all breast tissue.

For women who have breast implants, there is a small risk that an implant could rupture, and it’s important to let the technician know you have implants before the procedure.

Cost and Health Insurance

For those who do not have insurance, there are a number of state and local programs that provide free or low-cost mammograms, and some employers also offer discounted mammograms. TheNational Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, a program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), also offers free or low-cost mammograms to women who need financial help.

If you are unable to find free or low-cost mammograms in your area, you may receive a discount if you let the clinic know that you do not have insurance.

Before you have your mammogram, your healthcare provider will ask you about any risk factors you have, as well as any symptoms of breast cancer.

Before

Some women may find mammograms painful. For most, however, they are just uncomfortable.With this in mind, keep your menstrual cycle in mind when booking your mammogram. Scheduling it for 10 days after your period can be helpful, as your breast are less likely to be tender.

Your mammogram may be done in an outpatient clinic, hospital, or mobile mammography unit. If you had previous mammograms at another facility, you may be asked to bring copies of those images to your appointment. If needed, request them as soon as you make your appointment.

As for preparing for the test itself, there are minimal but important steps to take:

Many clinics will have you complete a questionnaire before you have your mammogram. These forms usually ask about any risk factors you have for breast cancer, any symptoms you are having, and your medical history.

If you don’t have specifics memorized (like the date of a relative’s breast cancer diagnosis), you may want to jot them down ahead of time so you can bring the information with you.

Find a Low-Cost or Free Mammogram Near You

What the Mammogram Itself Is Like

When you are ready for your test, a radiology technician will take you back into the mammogram suite. You may have markers placed on your breast. These are used for a number of different reasons, such as to mark nipples, moles, scars, and any lumps or areas of pain you have noticed.

The test is usually performed while you are standing. For those who are unable to stand, sitting mammography may also be done.

Your technician will help you place your breast between two plates. These plates are then compressed, squeezing your breast as the images are taken. Compression helps ensure a clearer image.

You will be asked to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds while each image is made. During a standard screening mammogram, two images of each breast are usually shot: one from above and one from the center outwards.

Additional views, such as spot compression, cleavage view, and others may be done if needed to get an accurate image of your breasts. If you have breast implants, you may need special implant displacement views completed.

If you experience any discomfort, let the technician know. In some cases, your breast can be repositioned without compromising the image. Even so, each image usually takes only a minute or less to complete.

How Long Does a Mammogram Take?The mammogram itself usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, but plan to spend at least an hour at your appointment to check in and give your radiologist time to review your images. If needed, a second round of images may be taken.

How Long Does a Mammogram Take?

The mammogram itself usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, but plan to spend at least an hour at your appointment to check in and give your radiologist time to review your images. If needed, a second round of images may be taken.

After

When your mammogram is completed, you may be asked to wait until the radiologist reviews your images. A report will be sent to your healthcare provider who will notify you of your results.

The discomfort of breast compression often improves rapidly when the test is done, but some women continue to feel aching in their breasts for a day or two after the test.If you do feel uncomfortable, wear a comfortable sports bra or camisole under your clothes.

After your mammogram, a radiologist will review your images and compare these with any previous mammograms you have had. The time it takes until your results are available can vary, and, with some clinics, it may take up to a month before a written report is sent to you.

Your mammogram report will include the following information:

It is extremely important to contact your healthcare provider if you have not received your results. Don’t assume that all is fine if you haven’t heard anything.

Findings

The findings section may simply say that your test was normal, negative, or benign. But if your radiologist sees anything that is suspicious or suggestive of malignancy, the report will describe the size of the finding, the location, and the shape or outline of the abnormal region.

There are a number of terms that may be used to describe findings, including:

In all cases, the report will also include a description of the density of your breast tissue. Breast density is assigned to one of the following four categories:

Normal and Abnormal Mammogram Images

BIRADS Classification

Your mammogram report will include a Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System number—theBIRADS classification—which is a number used to indicate your radiologist’s overall impression of your mammogram. This scale was developed to help standardize mammograms done across the country and at different institutions.

The scale for BIRADS goes from zero to five, with higher numbers indicating a greater possibility of breast cancer:

A BIRADS score of 6, meaning cancer, can only be made with a breast biopsy.

Your radiologist may make some recommendations based on your mammogram results. In some cases, no other studies may be needed. But if so, they may include:

If your mammogram is normal, and you have no symptoms of breast cancer, it’s important to continue to follow breast screening guidelines.

If any abnormalities are found, or if the mammogram is difficult to interpret, talk to your healthcare provider. The radiologist will be able to review your images, but your healthcare provider can also look at your risk factors, findings on physical exam, and your medical and family history, to help guide you as to your next steps.

Summary

Mammograms are incredibly important and serve as one of the first steps to rule out cancer. There are different types of mammograms, including 3D that offer a clearer picture of the breast. Mammograms are very safe, they emit a little bit of radiation, but not enough to pose a risk to most women and certainly not enough to avoid a potentially lifesaving test.

A Word From Verywell

Mammograms can detect cancer in the early stages before symptoms appear. Screening recommendations vary, but mammograms are typically recommended every one or two years starting at age 40 to 50. For women at high risk, screening may begin at a younger age. At any point in your health journey, if you have any lumps, bumps, or discomfort, reach out to your healthcare provider to rule out any cancer or even noncancerous conditions that can mimic cancer.

Frequently Asked QuestionsThe United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every two years for women aged 40 to 74 who are at average risk of breast cancer.Some other guidelines advise annual screening. If your radiology technician sees something unusual on the results, you may be asked to return for further testing.Breast mammograms are dark in the background like camera film. The breast tissue will be in shades of gray and white. Cancer will show up as white areas on the picture.Learn MoreNormal and Abnormal Mammogram Images

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every two years for women aged 40 to 74 who are at average risk of breast cancer.Some other guidelines advise annual screening. If your radiology technician sees something unusual on the results, you may be asked to return for further testing.

Breast mammograms are dark in the background like camera film. The breast tissue will be in shades of gray and white. Cancer will show up as white areas on the picture.Learn MoreNormal and Abnormal Mammogram Images

Breast mammograms are dark in the background like camera film. The breast tissue will be in shades of gray and white. Cancer will show up as white areas on the picture.

Learn MoreNormal and Abnormal Mammogram Images

19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Koo MM, von Wagner C, Abel GA, McPhail S, Rubin GP, Lyratzopoulos G.Typical and atypical presenting symptoms of breast cancer and their associations with diagnostic intervals: Evidence from a national audit of cancer diagnosis.Cancer Epidemiol. 2017;48:140–146. doi:10.1016/j.canep.2017.04.010American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Screening in Average-Risk Women.US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, et al.Screening for breast cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.JAMA. Published online April 30, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.5534Yalaza M, İnan A, Bozer M.Male breast cancer.J Breast Health. 2016;12(1):1-8. doi:10.5152/tjbh.2015.2711Løberg M, Lousdal ML, Bretthauer M, Kalager M.Benefits and harms of mammography screening.Breast Cancer Res. 2015;17:63. doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0525-zU.S. Food and Drug Administration.Important Information: Final Rule to Amend the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).Jain M, Jain A, Hyzy MD, Werth G.FAST MRI breast screening revisited.J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2017;61(1):24-28. doi:10.1111/1754-9485.12502Amano G, Yajima M, Moroboshi Y, Kuriya Y, Ohuchi N.MRI accurately depicts underlying DCIS in a patient with Paget’s disease of the breast without palpable mass and mammography findings.Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2005;35(3):149-153. doi:10.1093/jjco/hyi044Yeh ED, Jacene HA, Bellon JR, et al.What radiologists need to know about diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory breast cancer: a multidisciplinary approach.Radiographics. 2013;33(7):2003-2017. doi:10.1148/rg.337135503National Cancer Institute.Mammograms.Akram M, Iqbal M, Daniyal M, Khan AU.Awareness and current knowledge of breast cancer.Biol Res. 2017;50(1):33. doi:10.1186/s40659-017-0140-9Lee CI, Chen LE, Elmore JG.Risk-based breast cancer screening: Implications of breast density.Med Clin North Am. 2017;101(4):725–741. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.03.005Miglioretti DL, Lange J, van den Broek JJ, et al.Radiation-induced breast cancer incidence and mortality from digital mammography screening: A modeling study.Ann Intern Med. 2016;164(4):205-214. doi:10.7326/M15-1241Lee NC, Wong FL, Jamison PM, et al.Implementation of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: the beginning.Cancer. 2014;120 Suppl 16:2540-2548. doi:10.1002/cncr.28820de Groot JE, Broeders MJ, Grimbergen CA, den Heeten GJ.Pain-preventing strategies in mammography: an observational study of simultaneously recorded pain and breast mechanics throughout the entire breast compression cycle.BMC Womens Health. 2015;15:26. doi:10.1186/s12905-015-0185-2Sitt JC, Lui CY, Sinn LH, Fong JC.Understanding breast cancer screening–past, present, and future.Hong Kong Med J. 2018;24(2):166-174. doi:10.12809/hkmj177123U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Important Information: Final Rule to Amend the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).Rao AA, Feneis J, Lalonde C, Ojeda-Fournier H.A pictorial review of changes in the BI-RADS Fifth Edition.RadioGraphics. 2016;36(3):623-639. doi:10.1148/rg.2016150178Seely JM, Alhassan T.Screening for breast cancer in 2018-what should we be doing today?Curr Oncol. 2018;25(Suppl 1):S115-S124. doi:10.3747/co.25.3770Additional ReadingAmerican Cancer Society.Limitations of Mammograms.Miglioretti, D., Lange, J., van den Broek, J. et al.Radiation-Induced Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality from Digital Mammography Screening.Ann Int Med. 2016. 164(4):205-14. doi:10.7326/m15-1241.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Breast Cancer Screening: Thermogram No Substitute for Mammogram.

19 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Koo MM, von Wagner C, Abel GA, McPhail S, Rubin GP, Lyratzopoulos G.Typical and atypical presenting symptoms of breast cancer and their associations with diagnostic intervals: Evidence from a national audit of cancer diagnosis.Cancer Epidemiol. 2017;48:140–146. doi:10.1016/j.canep.2017.04.010American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Screening in Average-Risk Women.US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, et al.Screening for breast cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.JAMA. Published online April 30, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.5534Yalaza M, İnan A, Bozer M.Male breast cancer.J Breast Health. 2016;12(1):1-8. doi:10.5152/tjbh.2015.2711Løberg M, Lousdal ML, Bretthauer M, Kalager M.Benefits and harms of mammography screening.Breast Cancer Res. 2015;17:63. doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0525-zU.S. Food and Drug Administration.Important Information: Final Rule to Amend the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).Jain M, Jain A, Hyzy MD, Werth G.FAST MRI breast screening revisited.J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2017;61(1):24-28. doi:10.1111/1754-9485.12502Amano G, Yajima M, Moroboshi Y, Kuriya Y, Ohuchi N.MRI accurately depicts underlying DCIS in a patient with Paget’s disease of the breast without palpable mass and mammography findings.Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2005;35(3):149-153. doi:10.1093/jjco/hyi044Yeh ED, Jacene HA, Bellon JR, et al.What radiologists need to know about diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory breast cancer: a multidisciplinary approach.Radiographics. 2013;33(7):2003-2017. doi:10.1148/rg.337135503National Cancer Institute.Mammograms.Akram M, Iqbal M, Daniyal M, Khan AU.Awareness and current knowledge of breast cancer.Biol Res. 2017;50(1):33. doi:10.1186/s40659-017-0140-9Lee CI, Chen LE, Elmore JG.Risk-based breast cancer screening: Implications of breast density.Med Clin North Am. 2017;101(4):725–741. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.03.005Miglioretti DL, Lange J, van den Broek JJ, et al.Radiation-induced breast cancer incidence and mortality from digital mammography screening: A modeling study.Ann Intern Med. 2016;164(4):205-214. doi:10.7326/M15-1241Lee NC, Wong FL, Jamison PM, et al.Implementation of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: the beginning.Cancer. 2014;120 Suppl 16:2540-2548. doi:10.1002/cncr.28820de Groot JE, Broeders MJ, Grimbergen CA, den Heeten GJ.Pain-preventing strategies in mammography: an observational study of simultaneously recorded pain and breast mechanics throughout the entire breast compression cycle.BMC Womens Health. 2015;15:26. doi:10.1186/s12905-015-0185-2Sitt JC, Lui CY, Sinn LH, Fong JC.Understanding breast cancer screening–past, present, and future.Hong Kong Med J. 2018;24(2):166-174. doi:10.12809/hkmj177123U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Important Information: Final Rule to Amend the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).Rao AA, Feneis J, Lalonde C, Ojeda-Fournier H.A pictorial review of changes in the BI-RADS Fifth Edition.RadioGraphics. 2016;36(3):623-639. doi:10.1148/rg.2016150178Seely JM, Alhassan T.Screening for breast cancer in 2018-what should we be doing today?Curr Oncol. 2018;25(Suppl 1):S115-S124. doi:10.3747/co.25.3770Additional ReadingAmerican Cancer Society.Limitations of Mammograms.Miglioretti, D., Lange, J., van den Broek, J. et al.Radiation-Induced Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality from Digital Mammography Screening.Ann Int Med. 2016. 164(4):205-14. doi:10.7326/m15-1241.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Breast Cancer Screening: Thermogram No Substitute for Mammogram.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Koo MM, von Wagner C, Abel GA, McPhail S, Rubin GP, Lyratzopoulos G.Typical and atypical presenting symptoms of breast cancer and their associations with diagnostic intervals: Evidence from a national audit of cancer diagnosis.Cancer Epidemiol. 2017;48:140–146. doi:10.1016/j.canep.2017.04.010American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Screening in Average-Risk Women.US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, et al.Screening for breast cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.JAMA. Published online April 30, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.5534Yalaza M, İnan A, Bozer M.Male breast cancer.J Breast Health. 2016;12(1):1-8. doi:10.5152/tjbh.2015.2711Løberg M, Lousdal ML, Bretthauer M, Kalager M.Benefits and harms of mammography screening.Breast Cancer Res. 2015;17:63. doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0525-zU.S. Food and Drug Administration.Important Information: Final Rule to Amend the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).Jain M, Jain A, Hyzy MD, Werth G.FAST MRI breast screening revisited.J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2017;61(1):24-28. doi:10.1111/1754-9485.12502Amano G, Yajima M, Moroboshi Y, Kuriya Y, Ohuchi N.MRI accurately depicts underlying DCIS in a patient with Paget’s disease of the breast without palpable mass and mammography findings.Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2005;35(3):149-153. doi:10.1093/jjco/hyi044Yeh ED, Jacene HA, Bellon JR, et al.What radiologists need to know about diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory breast cancer: a multidisciplinary approach.Radiographics. 2013;33(7):2003-2017. doi:10.1148/rg.337135503National Cancer Institute.Mammograms.Akram M, Iqbal M, Daniyal M, Khan AU.Awareness and current knowledge of breast cancer.Biol Res. 2017;50(1):33. doi:10.1186/s40659-017-0140-9Lee CI, Chen LE, Elmore JG.Risk-based breast cancer screening: Implications of breast density.Med Clin North Am. 2017;101(4):725–741. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.03.005Miglioretti DL, Lange J, van den Broek JJ, et al.Radiation-induced breast cancer incidence and mortality from digital mammography screening: A modeling study.Ann Intern Med. 2016;164(4):205-214. doi:10.7326/M15-1241Lee NC, Wong FL, Jamison PM, et al.Implementation of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: the beginning.Cancer. 2014;120 Suppl 16:2540-2548. doi:10.1002/cncr.28820de Groot JE, Broeders MJ, Grimbergen CA, den Heeten GJ.Pain-preventing strategies in mammography: an observational study of simultaneously recorded pain and breast mechanics throughout the entire breast compression cycle.BMC Womens Health. 2015;15:26. doi:10.1186/s12905-015-0185-2Sitt JC, Lui CY, Sinn LH, Fong JC.Understanding breast cancer screening–past, present, and future.Hong Kong Med J. 2018;24(2):166-174. doi:10.12809/hkmj177123U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Important Information: Final Rule to Amend the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).Rao AA, Feneis J, Lalonde C, Ojeda-Fournier H.A pictorial review of changes in the BI-RADS Fifth Edition.RadioGraphics. 2016;36(3):623-639. doi:10.1148/rg.2016150178Seely JM, Alhassan T.Screening for breast cancer in 2018-what should we be doing today?Curr Oncol. 2018;25(Suppl 1):S115-S124. doi:10.3747/co.25.3770

Koo MM, von Wagner C, Abel GA, McPhail S, Rubin GP, Lyratzopoulos G.Typical and atypical presenting symptoms of breast cancer and their associations with diagnostic intervals: Evidence from a national audit of cancer diagnosis.Cancer Epidemiol. 2017;48:140–146. doi:10.1016/j.canep.2017.04.010

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Screening in Average-Risk Women.

US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, et al.Screening for breast cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.JAMA. Published online April 30, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.5534

Yalaza M, İnan A, Bozer M.Male breast cancer.J Breast Health. 2016;12(1):1-8. doi:10.5152/tjbh.2015.2711

Løberg M, Lousdal ML, Bretthauer M, Kalager M.Benefits and harms of mammography screening.Breast Cancer Res. 2015;17:63. doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0525-z

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Important Information: Final Rule to Amend the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).

Jain M, Jain A, Hyzy MD, Werth G.FAST MRI breast screening revisited.J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2017;61(1):24-28. doi:10.1111/1754-9485.12502

Amano G, Yajima M, Moroboshi Y, Kuriya Y, Ohuchi N.MRI accurately depicts underlying DCIS in a patient with Paget’s disease of the breast without palpable mass and mammography findings.Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2005;35(3):149-153. doi:10.1093/jjco/hyi044

Yeh ED, Jacene HA, Bellon JR, et al.What radiologists need to know about diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory breast cancer: a multidisciplinary approach.Radiographics. 2013;33(7):2003-2017. doi:10.1148/rg.337135503

National Cancer Institute.Mammograms.

Akram M, Iqbal M, Daniyal M, Khan AU.Awareness and current knowledge of breast cancer.Biol Res. 2017;50(1):33. doi:10.1186/s40659-017-0140-9

Lee CI, Chen LE, Elmore JG.Risk-based breast cancer screening: Implications of breast density.Med Clin North Am. 2017;101(4):725–741. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.03.005

Miglioretti DL, Lange J, van den Broek JJ, et al.Radiation-induced breast cancer incidence and mortality from digital mammography screening: A modeling study.Ann Intern Med. 2016;164(4):205-214. doi:10.7326/M15-1241

Lee NC, Wong FL, Jamison PM, et al.Implementation of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: the beginning.Cancer. 2014;120 Suppl 16:2540-2548. doi:10.1002/cncr.28820

de Groot JE, Broeders MJ, Grimbergen CA, den Heeten GJ.Pain-preventing strategies in mammography: an observational study of simultaneously recorded pain and breast mechanics throughout the entire breast compression cycle.BMC Womens Health. 2015;15:26. doi:10.1186/s12905-015-0185-2

Sitt JC, Lui CY, Sinn LH, Fong JC.Understanding breast cancer screening–past, present, and future.Hong Kong Med J. 2018;24(2):166-174. doi:10.12809/hkmj177123

Rao AA, Feneis J, Lalonde C, Ojeda-Fournier H.A pictorial review of changes in the BI-RADS Fifth Edition.RadioGraphics. 2016;36(3):623-639. doi:10.1148/rg.2016150178

Seely JM, Alhassan T.Screening for breast cancer in 2018-what should we be doing today?Curr Oncol. 2018;25(Suppl 1):S115-S124. doi:10.3747/co.25.3770

American Cancer Society.Limitations of Mammograms.Miglioretti, D., Lange, J., van den Broek, J. et al.Radiation-Induced Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality from Digital Mammography Screening.Ann Int Med. 2016. 164(4):205-14. doi:10.7326/m15-1241.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Breast Cancer Screening: Thermogram No Substitute for Mammogram.

American Cancer Society.Limitations of Mammograms.

Miglioretti, D., Lange, J., van den Broek, J. et al.Radiation-Induced Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality from Digital Mammography Screening.Ann Int Med. 2016. 164(4):205-14. doi:10.7326/m15-1241.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Breast Cancer Screening: Thermogram No Substitute for Mammogram.

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

What is your feedback?