Women's Health
Mammogram
A mammogram is
an
X-ray test of the
breasts 
(mammary glands) used to screen for breast
problems, such as a lump, and whether a lump is fluid-filled (a
cyst) or a solid mass.
A mammogram is done to help screen for or detect breast cancer. Many small tumors can be seen on a mammogram before they can be felt by a woman or her doctor. Cancer is most easily treated and cured when it is discovered in an early stage. Mammograms do not prevent breast cancer or reduce a woman's risk of developing cancer. But regular mammograms can reduce a woman's risk of dying from breast cancer by detecting a cancer when it is more easily treated.
Experts differ in their recommendations about when or how often women should have mammograms.
- For women between the ages of 40 and 50, the benefits of regular mammograms are not clear. Women should discuss the benefits and harms of mammograms with their doctors. Talk with your doctor to decide when to start and how often to have a mammogram.
- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that for women younger than 50 years of age, the decision about when to start regular screening with mammograms every 2 years should be an individual one.1 This decision should be based on her situation, her individual risk, and what she prefers.
- Some organizations recommend women have mammograms every 1 to 2 years, starting at age 40.
- For women older than age 50, regular mammograms are recommended.
- The USPSTF recommends routine mammograms every 2 years for women ages 50 to 74.1
- Some organizations recommend women have yearly mammograms for as long as they are in good health.
- Women age 75 and older may want to talk to their doctors about whether they need breast cancer screening.
Your doctor may recommend testing at a younger age if you have risk factors for breast cancer.
- Breast Cancer Screening: When Should I Start Having Mammograms?
A mammogram that appears to detect a cancer, when in fact a cancer is not present (false-positive results), can occur at any age but is more likely to occur in younger women. About 5% to 10% of screening mammograms will require more testing. This may include another mammogram of specific breast tissue or another test, such as an ultrasound. Most of these tests will show no cancer is present.
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Breast Cancer Screening: When Should I Start Having Mammograms?Why It Is Done
A mammogram is done to:
- Screen for breast cancer in women without symptoms.
- Detect breast cancer in women with symptoms. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump or thickening in the breast, nipple discharge, or dimpling of the skin on one area of the breast.
- Locate an area of suspicious breast tissue to remove for examination under a microscope (biopsy) when an abnormality is found.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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