Getting a mammogram is something many women are anxious about, and it’s easy to understand why. Cancer can be life changing, so the possibility of having breast cancer can be scary.
One in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and your risk nearly doubles if you’ve had a mother, a sister, or a daughter diagnosed with breast cancer.
Mammogram screenings are your best chance of finding breast cancer early. We know that getting an annual mammogram screening can improve your chances of early detection.
Understanding the importance of mammograms
Mammograms are the most important measure women should take to monitor their breast health. With today’s technology, mammograms are more accurate and comfortable than ever before.
Why should I get a mammogram?
Every year, 2.3 million women are diagnosed with the disease, and most women have no high risk factors, like a family history of breast cancer.
How does a mammogram detect breast cancer?
Mammograms usually involve two or more X-rays, capturing images of each breast. These images make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt. Screening mammograms can also find microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium) that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer.
Why is early detection important for breast cancer?
If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance of survival. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage have a 90% or higher survival rate in the first five years.
When you should get your first mammogram
Now that you’ve committed to getting a breast cancer screening, and to start getting routine screening mammograms, you might wonder when you should get your first screening mammogram.
What age should I start getting mammograms?
Multiple guidelines recommend all women should start mammogram screenings at age 40 and get one each year. Those ages may alter somewhat based on your personal risk factors.
What risk factors could mean I need an earlier screening?
If you have certain risks for breast cancer, like a family history of breast cancer, if you smoke, or if you are overweight, you may need to start mammograms earlier. Be sure to discuss your needs with your healthcare provider.
How does my family history affect when I should get a mammogram?
Strong evidence shows that your risk of developing breast cancer nearly doubles if you’ve had a mother, sister, or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer. This means, your healthcare provider may advise you to begin getting mammograms at an earlier age.
When to get a mammogram
You have the power to get a screening mammogram whenever you feel the time is right for you, and depending on your provider’s recommendations. Let’s take a look at when you should get screened.
How often should I get a mammogram?
All women starting at the age of 40 should get a screening mammogram every 12 months (annually). Women with high risk factors should consult their doctor to determine if they should start their mammograms before 40, and if other screening methods, such as breast ultrasound or breast MRI, should be explored.
How do my health history and risk factors affect how often I should get a mammogram?
A family history of breast cancer greatly increases your chance of being diagnosed with the disease. Other health risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and other health issues, also play large roles. Your healthcare provider will take all this into account and perhaps suggest more frequent screenings starting at an earlier age.
Getting a 3D screening mammogram
For your screening, your healthcare provider may recommend a women’s imaging provider who uses 3D technology for their mammogram screenings because it’s significantly more accurate than traditional 2D imaging. At South Jersey Radiology Associates, a 3D mammogram is our standard of care. We’ll show you why 3D mammograms are so helpful.
How should I prepare for my mammogram appointment?
A mammogram is fairly quick and completely non-invasive. There is no need to fast before a mammogram.
Avoid using deodorants, powders, or moisturizers on the day of the mammogram, as these can interfere with the mamogram’s images.
Wear a casual and comfortable outfit like a loose skirt or pants, so that you’ll just need to remove your top and bra for the mammogram.
Discuss any recent changes or issues, if any, in your breasts with your technologist before the start of your mammogram.
What can I expect during a mammogram?
You will be positioned in front of a mammography machine and your breasts will be held in place by two compression plates. The compression plates may cause discomfort, but only briefly. When you are ready for the process to begin, the technologist will start the machine, which will move over your chest in an arc.
What should I expect after my mammogram is over?
You should have no after-effects from a mammogram, but you may feel a bit of discomfort from your breasts being flattened during the scan. After your mammogram, our radiologist will send the results of your mammogram to your healthcare provider, and they will discuss your results with you.
How to schedule an appointment with us
Our goal is to offer you and your healthcare provider the most informative results possible, and we make it easy for you to get an appointment.
With numerous locations across South Jersey, you’ll find us conveniently located near major highways and key bridges in the region.
We’ll ensure the entire scheduling process is as effortless as possible for you. Above all, we are here to help you.
Reach out to us at any of the following locations to book an appointment:
- Cherry Hill Office – Cherry Hill, NJ
- Haddonfield Office – Haddonfield, NJ
- Marlton (Greentree) Office – Marlton, NJ
- Moorestown Office – Moorestown, NJ
- Turnersville Office – Turnersville, NJ
- West Deptford Office – West Deptford, NJ
- Willingboro Office – Willingboro, NJ
- Women’s Center at Cross Keys – Sewell, NJ
- Women’s Center at Medford – Medford, NJ
- Women’s Center at Mount Laurel – Mount Laurel, NJ
- Women’s Center at Voorhees – Voorhees Township, NJ
Learn more about the board-certified, subspecialized radiologists who read, analyze and interpret the findings here at South Jersey Radiology Associates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mammograms are essential for early detection of breast cancer, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to create detailed images of the breast tissue, allowing doctors to spot abnormalities that may indicate cancer.
Early detection of breast cancer increases the chances of successful treatment and can reduce the severity of the treatment needed.
Most guidelines recommend starting screening mammograms at age 40 and repeat them every 12 months.
Factors like a family history of breast cancer, genetic predispositions, and your personal health history mean you need earlier and more frequent screenings.
A strong family history of breast cancer may lead your doctor to recommend beginning mammograms at a younger age, and possibly more often.
It is recommended to get a mammogram annually depending on your age and risk factors.
On the day of your mammogram, avoid using deodorants, perfumes, or lotions under your arms or on your breasts, as these can interfere with your mammogram results.