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Mammogram

Mammogram

A mammogram is an x-ray of your breasts. X-rays use high energy rays to take pictures of the inside of your body. As part of the breast cancer screening program to check for cancer if you have symptoms that could be due to breast cancer. This is called a diagnostic mammogram.

Mammograms to check for breast cancer

You might have a mammogram if you are over 40 and have:

  • A new lump or thickening in your breast or armpit
  • A change in size, shape or feel of your breast
  • skin changes in the breast such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness of the skin
  • changes in the position of the nipple

You usually have a mammogram alongside other tests, such as a breast examination and ultrasound scan in a breast clinic. You might also have a sample of tissue (biopsy) taken in this clinic.

What happens during Mammogram

  • You take off your clothes from the waist upwards
  • You might put on a hospital gown.
  • You stand close to the x-ray machine.
  • The radiographer positions one breast at a time between 2 flat plates on the machine.
  • The plates press your breast firmly between them for a few moments.
  • You will feel a little pressure and it is likely to be uncomfortable. Some women find it painful, but it is over quickly.
  • You usually have 2 x-rays from each breast: one from the top and one from the side.
  • Talk to your mammographer if you are nervous or embarrassed. Or if you are finding the mammogram too painful. They can stop at any time and try to make you more comfortable.

Possible risks

  • A mammogram is a very safe test, but with any tests, there are possible risks.

Exposure to Radiation

  • With each mammogram, there is a small amount of radiation exposure from the x-rays. But the amount of radiation is very small.
  • X-rays can very rarely cause cancer. Having mammograms every 3 years for 20 years very slightly increases the chance of getting cancer over a woman’s lifetime.

Pregnancy

  • It is very important to tell the mammographer if you think you may be pregnant, as the x-rays could affect your developing baby.

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