Questions About Mammography

Good preventive breast health for women over 50 includes:

• A monthly self-breast examination.
• A breast exam by your doctor at least once a year.
• A screening mammogram to detect lumps too small to feel.
• A diagnostic or follow-up mammogram if your doctor feels it is necessary.

A mammogram should detect breast abnormalities too small to be seen or felt by a regular examination.

Some women feel discomfort from the pressure of a mammogram, but it is of a very short duration.

A mammogram should be read by a radiologist (physician) specially trained to do so.

Yes, women over 70 should have regularly scheduled mammograms.

No. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that uses a tiny amount of radiation.

To learn more about breast cancer and mammographies, visit Breast Cancer and Mammography Information. Further information is also available at www.medicare.gov - Mammograms & Breast Health An Information Guide for Women (pdf).