Misinformation surrounding mammograms can lead to anxiety. Get the facts about this important part of preventive care.
It’s not uncommon for women in their late 30s to consider what their first mammogram will be like. If you’re a woman over 40, you’ve probably had at least one, with another coming due within a year. And if you’re a man or a younger woman who’s experienced possible breast cancer symptoms, such as a lump, bloody nipple discharge or dimpling of the skin, you may need one as well.
There are a lot of anxiety-inducing myths about mammograms, and women who’ve had bad mammography experiences can sometimes fear going back. Here are five facts to help clear things up so you can schedule your mammogram appointment with confidence.
- Compression is needed but shouldn’t be very painful.
“Compression is an essential part of mammography, significantly impacting image quality and the ability to detect breast cancer,” explains Mary Yamashita, MD, chief of breast imaging and director of radiology research for women’s health with the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Keck Medicine of USC.
Inadequate compression can play a big role in poor image quality, causing blurriness. While it can be unpleasant, compression holds the breast in place and separates overlapping tissue to provide a clearer image so that small, hidden cancers can be detected. It also reduces the amount of radiation that the patient is exposed to during the process.
All that said, communication between the patient and technologist can help achieve compression with minimal discomfort.
- The discomfort is brief and often manageable.
A common question doctors receive is, “Does a mammogram hurt?” The consensus among some patients is that they’re uncomfortable — but only briefly. Of course, breast sensitivity can vary according to different factors, such as hormone fluctuations. If you’re worried about a painful mammogram, talk to your technologist in advance. They can ease your worries and may have tips to help you prepare and minimize discomfort.
- There are two types of mammograms: 2D and 3D.
In 2011, 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Unlike conventional 2D mammography, which takes a single image of each breast, 3D mammography takes multiple images from various angles. This allows radiologists to examine the breast 1-mm slice at a time. This technique is highly effective for all women, but it is especially beneficial for those with dense breast tissue (which contains more glandular tissue than fatty tissue). 3D mammography reduces the number of patients who need to return for additional evaluation and is exceptionally accurate.
“Several research studies have demonstrated that 3D mammography can detect up to 40% more cancers compared to 2D mammography alone,” says Dr. Yamashita, who is also a professor of radiology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
- It’s recommended to start mammograms at age 40.
While there has been some debate on the appropriate age for a mammogram, the American College of Radiology recommends that women with average risk start getting yearly mammograms once they turn 40. Depending on your risk factors, you may need to start earlier.
“Women at higher risk for breast cancer include those with genetic mutations or a strong family history, especially in a mother, sister or daughter,” Dr. Yamashita says.
Regardless of age, anyone experiencing new breast-related symptoms should get a mammogram and possibly an ultrasound as soon as possible.
“Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast or under the armpit, thickening or swelling of the breast, changes in size or shape of the breast, bloody nipple discharge, redness or flakiness around the nipple, and dimpling of the breast skin,” Dr. Yamashita says.
- Mammograms save lives.
“Mammography is the best tool available for screening breast cancer. It can detect tumors before they can be felt by hand, increasing the chances of successful treatment,” Dr. Yamashita explains. For example, in the early stages where cancer cells are confined to the milk ducts, the likelihood of being cured is very high.
Taking all of these factors into consideration, the expertise of the radiologist interpreting your mammogram is essential. When choosing a provider, review their credentials and confirm whether the facility offers 3D mammography.
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