Why Mammography is So Important

Updated July 31, 2024

Mammography is a technique of taking soft tissue X-rays in which two films of each breast are taken after adequate compression under an acrylic sheet. This quick medical exam produces pictures that your doctor can use to identify and treat any abnormal areas, possibly indicating the presence of breast cancer.

Annual mammograms can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable, and up to two years before a tumor can be felt by a patient or a clinical breast exam. Early detection can also prevent the need for extensive treatment for advanced cancers and improve chances of breast conservation. Mammograms are the only test proven to reduce breast cancer deaths. Early treatment also improves the odds of survival.

More Women Under 40 are Getting Breast Cancer

The American College of Radiology guidelines recommend all women who have high breast cancer risks, especially Black and Jewish women, to talk to their doctors about breast cancer screening by age 25. Among the questions you should ask your doctor if you are at increased risk for breast cancer are:

• Do I need a screening mammogram before age 40?
• Should I get other tests with my annual screening?
• Should I get mammography screening more than once a year?

You have a higher risk of developing breast cancer if you have any of the following:

• Personal history of breast cancer
• Family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer
• Inherited genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Benign breast disease like atypical ductal hyperplasia or lobular neoplasia
• Dense breasts

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40 for all people assigned female at birth (AFAB) with an average risk of breast cancer. Your breast cancer risk increases as you age. Consider these facts about breast cancer:

• One in six cases occurs in women in their 40s
• Mammograms have helped reduce the breast cancer mortality rate in the United States by nearly 40% since 1990
• Mammography screenings reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by almost 50%
• Three-fourths of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease

The Difference Between Screening Mammograms and Diagnostic Mammograms

Screening mammograms check for breast cancer in patients who have no disease signs or symptoms. Routine mammograms usually involve two or more x-ray images of each breast taken at different angles from top to bottom and side to side. Screening mammography can detect tiny calcium deposits called microcalcifications that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer. Women who have breast implants will require additional imaging tests.

Healthcare providers order diagnostic mammograms when screening mammogram results show abnormal tissue or a new breast issue. A diagnostic mammogram can also check for breast cancer when a lump or other sign of the disease has been found. Breast cancer signs can also include breast pain, thickening of breast skin, a change in breast size or shape, and nipple discharge. However, such signs can also indicate benign conditions. Doctors also use a diagnostic mammogram to evaluate changes detected during a screening mammogram or when it's difficult to obtain images because of breast implants or other particular circumstances.

The same machines are used for both types of mammography. A diagnostic mammogram takes longer to perform and has higher radiation exposure because more X-ray images are needed to produce more detailed views of the affected breast. Technicians may use spot compression, supplementary angles or magnification of a suspicious area to produce a more detailed picture so a doctor can diagnose more accurately.

Digital mammography has replaced traditional analog or film mammography. There are two types of digital mammograms: two-dimensional and three-dimensional. Both provide electronic images stored as a computer file.

Can Mammograms Detect Cancer?

patientsMammograms can help detect but can’t diagnose cancer. They cannot prove that abnormal areas are cancerous. Nevertheless, they are vital tools to help doctors decide whether need additional screenings, such as a breast biopsy, to accurately diagnose a malignancy in breast tissue.

Tips for Your Mammography Screening Appointment

Keep these essential points in mind when going for regular mammograms:

• Schedule your mammogram, preferably after the month’s menstrual cycle.
• Avoid the week before your menstrual period.
• When you go for a mammography test, take opies of any previous reports you may have so your doctor may compare them.
• Dress correctly for your screening by wearing a two-piece outfit, so you will only need to remove your top.
• Don’t use lotion, deodorant or powder around the breasts or armpits, as these substances may show up in X-rays.

Do You Have Questions About Regular Screening Mammograms?

VIVAA's Seattle-area healthcare professionals will gladly answer your questions about breast cancer risk factors, early detection, breast imaging and more. Dr. Kaur specializes in women's health issues and treatment options. Schedule a consultation with her by calling 425-250-9999 or completing our Request an Appointment form.