October 1, 2024

Screening for breast cancer: Mammogram guidelines

A Kaiser Permanente radiologist answers commonly asked questions.

Learn when you should get a mammogram and how to prepare for your screening.

One in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death among American women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fortunately, regular mammograms can greatly increase the chance of detecting breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat and survival rates are highest.

Lillian Ivansco, MD, a breast radiologist for Kaiser Permanente in Georgia, answers commonly asked questions about mammograms.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast. It’s used to look for early signs of breast cancer. Having regular mammograms is the best way to find breast cancer early.

When should you start (and stop) getting mammograms?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

“Start by having a conversation with your doctor to determine your individual risk,” said Dr. Ivansco. “Your doctor will ask about your personal medical and reproductive history as well as your family history of certain cancers."

At Kaiser Permanente, women with average breast cancer risk have the option of receiving mammograms every 1 to 2 years once they turn 40.

For people with above-average risk, recommended screening schedules vary. Talk to your doctor about your specific situation.

Once you turn 75, have a conversation with your doctor about the benefits and risks of continued screening.

What does it mean to have dense breasts?

A woman’s breast contains 3 kinds of tissue: Fibrous tissue holds the breast tissue in place. Glandular tissue is the part of the breast that makes milk. Fatty tissue fills the space between fibrous and glandular tissue.

Dense breasts have higher amounts of fibrous and glandular tissue and lower amounts of fatty tissue.

Nearly half of all women 40 and older have dense breasts. Only a mammogram can show if you have dense breasts — it can’t be felt in an exam.

People with dense breasts have a slightly higher chance of getting breast cancer. Dense breasts can also make it harder to detect breast cancer. That’s because fibrous and glandular tissue can mask tumors.

Getting regular mammograms allows your doctor to see small changes in your breasts over time.

Are mammograms safe?

Yes. When you get a mammogram, you’re briefly exposed to a very small amount of radiation. But the benefits of regular breast cancer screening far exceed any possible harm.

In fact, the dose of radiation used for a mammogram of both breasts is roughly equal to the radiation you’re exposed to by living in the United States for 7 weeks.