Mammogram: What is it?

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women worldwide. Mammograms are an important tool in the early detection of breast cancer, which can lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes. According to the American Cancer Society, mammograms can detect breast cancer up to two years before a lump can be felt.

Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to create images of the breast tissue. The images can show changes in the breast tissue that may be too small to be felt during a breast exam. Mammograms can detect breast cancer at an early stage, when it is most treatable.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk of breast cancer should begin regular mammograms at age 45. Women between the ages of 45 and 54 should have mammograms every year, and women over the age of 55 should have mammograms every two years. Women at higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history of breast cancer, may need to begin mammograms earlier and have them more frequently.

Mammograms can also detect other breast abnormalities, such as cysts or calcifications, that may require further testing or treatment. Mammograms can also be used to monitor the breast tissue in women who have had breast cancer or who are at high risk of developing breast cancer.

While mammograms are an important tool in the early detection of breast cancer, they are not perfect. Mammograms can miss some breast cancers, and they can also detect abnormalities that turn out not to be cancer. In some cases, additional testing, such as a biopsy, may be needed to determine whether an abnormality is cancerous.

Despite their limitations, mammograms remain an important tool in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment, and mammograms can help detect breast cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. Women should talk to their healthcare provider about when to begin mammograms and how often to have them.