Health Conditions A-Z Imaging and Procedures What Is a Mammogram? By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a health writer. She has over a decade of experience as a registered nurse, practicing in a variety of fields, such as pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health. health's editorial guidelines Published on June 23, 2023 Medically reviewed by Archana Sharma, DO Medically reviewed by Archana Sharma, DO Dr. Archana Sharma, DO, FAAP is a pediatrician and active participant in a collaborative group that studies the effects of COVID-19 in pediatric oncology. The group has published its findings in prominent journals. learn more In This Article View All In This Article Purpose Types Process Risks and Precautions Preparation Results FAQs A mammogram is an imaging scan that takes X-rays of the breasts to screen for and detect breast cancer. A radiologist (or, a medical doctor who specializes in analyzing imaging tests) reviews the images to look for any lumps, masses (tumors), changes in breast size or shape, and other signs of cancer. Generally, your healthcare provider may recommend getting an annual mammogram to screen for breast cancer starting at the age of 40. Purpose The purpose of a mammogram is to detect breast cancer. Healthcare providers recommend that people who were assigned female at birth get yearly mammograms once they turn 40. Research shows that regular mammograms can reduce breast cancer death in people between the ages of 40 and 74. While breast self-exams are an important way to keep your breast health in check, mammograms are the most effective screening tool for cancer. Mammograms are able to detect early breast cancer before cancer cells have spread to other areas of the body. Getting an early diagnosis can get you started on treatment sooner and improve the outlook of your condition. What Age Should You Get a Mammogram? Currently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women between the ages of 40 and 74, who are at average risk of breast cancer, receive a screening mammogram every other year. Prior to this recommendation, the Task Force advised starting regular screenings at age 50. Moving the screening age earlier could reduce breast cancer deaths by up to 20%. Design by Health Screening Mammogram Your healthcare provider will likely recommend a screening mammogram once you turn 40 years old. This type of test is recommended for people without any signs or symptoms of cancer. The goal is to screen for cancer and find it early. A screening mammogram can detect a tumor and tiny deposits of calcium called microcalcifications—which can also be an early sign of breast cancer. Diagnostic Mammogram Your provider will likely recommend a diagnostic mammogram if you have any signs of breast cancer. The goal of a diagnostic mammogram is to detect cancer. Signs of breast cancer include: A lump in the breast Breast pain or soreness Thickened skin on the breast Nipple discharge Change in the size or shape of the breast Types of Mammograms There are two main types of mammograms. Your healthcare provider will recommend a specific type based on your age, symptoms, family history, risk factors, and overall health. 2-D Mammogram A two-dimensional (2-D) mammogram takes X-ray images of the breast. Your provider will recommend this type of mammogram for screening purposes. During a 2-D mammogram, a mammography technologist (or, a technician who specializes in conducting a mammogram) will place each of your breasts between two plates and take pictures to send to the radiologist. 3-D Mammogram A three-dimensional (3-D) mammogram—also known as digital breast tomosynthesis—takes more detailed images than 2-D mammograms. A 3-D mammogram uses an X-ray machine that rotates around your breasts, which makes it easier to take pictures at several different angles. 3-D mammograms are more sensitive than 2-D mammograms and are able to find more cases of cancer. Your provider may recommend a 3-D mammogram if you have any signs or symptoms of breast cancer. This type of mammogram is also helpful for people who have dense breasts. Brief History of Mammograms In the past, mammogram images were stored on film. Healthcare providers in the United States now use digital mammograms, which store the images electronically. This allows for easier sharing with radiologists and improved image quality. How Does It Work? A mammogram is a relatively quick procedure. During the test, a mammography technician will help position your breasts properly and take the images. Once the test is complete, the technician will send the images to a radiologist for review. Before the Test Before your mammogram, you will not need to follow a special diet or stop any of your medications. When you arrive at the healthcare facility, you will complete paperwork that asks about your medical history. Be sure to alert the healthcare providers at the facility if you are or may be pregnant. You should also let your provider know if you breast implants, as they can hide some of your breast tissue and make it a bit harder to detect cancer. It is also important to remove any jewelry or metal before you begin the mammogram—as these objects can show up in the X-ray photos. When it is time for your mammogram, the mammography technician will show you the equipment and explain the procedure. You will be asked to undress from the waist up and put on a hospital gown that opens in the front. Your technician will not be giving you any pain medications, sedation, or anesthesia before the test. The mammogram will take a few minutes to complete. During the Test To begin the test, your technician will ask you to stand in front of the X-ray machine. They will assist you in placing one of your breasts on a plastic plate. Then another plate will press firmly down to flatten your breast. The breasts have to be flattened during a mammogram because it prevents movement and improves the quality of the images. Flattening the breast also ensures that the X-ray beams have a shorter path to travel. This is important because this reduces the amount of radiation you are exposed to during the imaging scan. Once the technician takes the images, they will then take a side-view image by compressing the breast with plastic plates. When you are finished with one breast, the technician will repeat the process with the other breast. It's important to know that the flattening or compression of your breasts can cause you to feel a lot of pressure. Many people find mammograms uncomfortable and some can experience mild pain during the test. Each image takes a few seconds to complete. If you need a break during the test, you can let the technician know. After the Test Once the mammogram is complete, you can get dressed and leave your appointment. A mammogram is an outpatient test, which means that you will be able to drive yourself home once the test is over. The results of your mammogram can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to come back. You will usually receive a phone call or come in for a follow-up appointment to discuss your results. If your mammogram results come back abnormal, your healthcare provider will likely recommend further testing such as additional mammograms. Risks and Precautions All medical scans and procedures carry certain risks. While a mammogram is not risk-free, it is considered safe for most people. The risks of mammograms may include: False positive result: A false positive occurs when the radiologist sees an abnormal area on your mammogram images but you do not have cancer. This may result in you getting an additional test when it's not necessary. It is also very worrisome to learn that your results were abnormal. False positive results are more common in younger people, people with dense breasts, people taking estrogen supplements, and people who have undergone previous breast biopsies. It’s estimated that more than 50% of people screened annually for breast cancer for at least 10 years in the United States experience a false positive result once. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment: Mammograms are very effective at finding cancer. They sometimes detect very small cancers and ductal carcinoma in situ (a condition that affects the cells of the breast's milk ducts). In most cases, these conditions would have never caused symptoms or affected your life. This leads to cancer treatment that may not have been necessary. False negative result: A false negative result occurs when a mammogram appears normal even though breast cancer is present. It is estimated that screening mammograms miss about 20% of breast cancer cases. High breast density can make tumors harder to detect. A false negative result also occurs more often in younger people. Radiation exposure: A mammogram is an X-ray that uses small doses of radiation to take images. While the risk is low, repeated X-rays can raise your risk of developing cancer. The average dose of radiation from a mammogram is 0.4 millisieverts (mSv). Each year, people in the United States are exposed to about 3 mSv from their natural surroundings. How to Prepare for a Mammogram Going in for a mammogram can feel scary. Knowing what to expect may help. To prepare for a mammogram, remember these tips: Location: A mammogram is an outpatient procedure. You can schedule a mammogram at a breast clinic, hospital radiology department, private radiology office, or your healthcare provider's office. You can also obtain one from a mobile mammography van. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all mammography locations meet certain criteria. To find an FDA-approved facility, call 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237). Scheduling: Keep in mind that your breasts are most sensitive right before and during your menstrual period. They may feel tender and swollen. If possible, schedule your mammogram after your period. Attire: During a mammogram, you will be asked to undress from the waist up. Plan to wear pants, shorts, or a skirt, as opposed to a dress. Do not wear any deodorant or perfume to your test. Refrain from wearing jewelry as well. Food and drink: You may eat and drink normally before and after a mammogram. Medications: It is OK to continue taking your regular medications before and after a mammogram. Items to bring: In most cases, you only need to bring an insurance card and ID with you to your appointment. If a mammogram is not covered under your insurance or you don't have insurance, the clinic may ask you to pay a copay. In such cases, it may help to bring a form of payment. Emotional support: Call ahead to ask if your facility allows visitors. If you choose to bring a loved one with you, remember that they will likely be asked to stay in the waiting room during the mammogram. Cost and insurance: Most insurance plans cover the cost of a mammogram. All plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) must cover mammography every one to two years for women aged 40 and older. Medicare pays for annual screening mammograms for people 40 and older without a deductible. Results Depending on your mammogram facility, your results should come back within a few days to a few weeks after your test. Once a radiologist examines your images and writes a report, they will send it to your primary healthcare provider. If the results are normal, your provider will let you know via phone, electronic medical record, or letter. If your results are considered abnormal, your provider will call you to discuss the next steps or bring you in for a follow-up appointment. They will likely recommend additional tests such as another mammogram or breast ultrasound. Interpreting Your Results To interpret your mammogram, the radiologist will closely examine the images for any concerning signs. The radiologist looks for any high-density areas that appear white. These areas could be cancerous. On an X-ray, fatty tissue appears dark and transparent. This means that the radiologist can see through it to examine the breast tissue. Dense breast tissue is less fatty and appears white on a mammogram, making it difficult to distinguish the tissue from cancerous tissue. If you have been told in the past that you have a lot of dense tissue in your breasts, be sure to tell your mammogram tech during the test. When you receive the report with your results from your healthcare provider, it will give you one of the following results: Normal result: A normal result means that the radiologist did not see any concerning areas that looked cancerous.Abnormal result: An abnormal result means that the radiologist saw signs of cancer or other abnormalities. Your healthcare provider will discuss the next steps with you, such as a follow-up mammogram. Inconclusive result: An inconclusive result means that the radiologist was unable to determine if there were any areas of concern on your mammogram images. Your healthcare provider will discuss the next steps with you, which may include getting another mammogram or other type of imaging test. A Quick Review A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts. The goal is to screen for and detect breast cancer as early as possible. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women between the ages of 40 and 74, who are at average risk of breast cancer, get a mammogram yearly. A mammogram is an outpatient test and takes only a few moments per image. Once your test is complete, the technician will send the X-rays of your breasts to a radiologist for review. It may take a few days to a few weeks to receive the results of your test. Once the radiologist has completed their analysis, they will send your results to your primary healthcare provider who will inform you about your results. Getting a mammogram can feel scary. But, it's important to remember that this imaging test is an important way to detect breast cancer early. That's why knowing what to expect and how to prepare are essential. If you have concerns, it's best to reach out to your healthcare provider to get your questions answered before you go in for a mammogram. Frequently Asked Questions How often should you get a mammogram if you have dense breasts? Talk with your healthcare provider about a recommended mammogram schedule if you have dense breasts. Your provider may recommend spacing out the timing of your mammograms more than the current recommendation because you are more likely to experience a false positive with high-density breasts. Is a mammogram painful? Many people find a mammogram uncomfortable and some even experience pain. To reduce the likelihood of feeling pain, do not schedule your mammogram right before or during your menstrual period because your breasts are more sensitive at that time. At what age do you stop getting mammograms? In the U.S., getting an annual mammogram usually stops at the age of 75. The U.S. task force currently recommends that people between the ages of 40 and 74 should receive regular mammograms. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 10 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Cancer Society. What is a mammogram?. National Cancer Institute. Mammograms. National Breast Cancer Foundation. Mammogram. MedlinePlus. Mammography. American Cancer Society. Breast cancer mammogram. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Breast cancer: Screening. Ren W, Chen M, Qiao Y, Zhao F. Global guidelines for breast cancer screening: A systematic review. Breast. 2022;64:85-99. doi:10.1016/j.breast.2022.04.003 Siu AL; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Breast Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Ann Intern Med. 2016;164(4):279-296. doi:10.7326/M15-2886 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is a mammogram?. 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