Due for Your Mammogram? Here's What To Know Before You Go

With contributions by Devon Choltus, MPH, and Ashley York
 

In 2026, it is estimated that there will be more than 320,000 new cases of female breast cancer (NCI), making it the most common cancer among women. While female breast cancer is most common among middle-aged and older women, breast cancer diagnoses in women younger than 50 have increased by 2.3% annually over the past 5 years. Although rare, men can develop breast cancer as well.
 

The good news: Regular monitoring and screening increase the chances of catching breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. Screening mammograms can often detect lumps and other abnormalities before they can be felt.

5 Things to Know About Mammograms

Whether you’ve had a mammogram before or you're preparing for your first one, it's normal to have a lot of questions. Let's break down the basics:

What is a mammogram?
 

A mammogram is a breast x-ray that can show a lump or other abnormality. Getting a mammogram is a quick procedure — only 20 minutes — and uses minimal radiation.

Mammograms can detect changes in the breast up to 2 years before a patient or doctor can feel them. The earlier a lump or abnormality is noticed, the less likely an individual with breast cancer will need an aggressive treatment, like a mastectomy. 

There are 2 types of mammograms:

• Screening mammograms are breast x-rays that shows if there are any lumps or anything unusual in the area. Annual screening mammograms are one of the best ways to detect changes and abnormalities in breast tissue. Mammograms show findings in the breast tissue such as distortions, densities, or calcifications. These may or may not indicate cancer but could require additional testing with a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound.
• Diagnostic mammograms are a more detailed image used to diagnose abnormalities. Like screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms are x-rays of the breast. A diagnostic mammogram is often done after a screening mammogram.

What are 3-D mammograms?
 

3-D mammograms (also known as digital breast tomosynthesis) create a 3-dimensional image of the breast by taking x-rays from multiple angles. This can improve the detection of abnormalities. A 3-D mammogram may be used as either a screening mammogram or a diagnostic mammogram.  

Am I due for a screening mammogram? 
 

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women who are 40 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every 2 years. However, many physicians recommend yearly mammogram screenings. 

If you are not sure how often you should get mammograms, talk to your doctor to find out the best time and frequency to have a mammogram based on your personal health and risk factors.

How do I schedule a mammogram appointment?
 

Start by reaching out to your primary care doctor or gynecologist. They can help you get a referral to schedule your appointment and discuss appropriate screening recommendations based on your personal factors, such as family medical history. 

Members of your healthcare team, a local hospital, or your local health department can help connect you with resources to make getting your mammogram as easy and seamless as possible. Resources may include transportation help, nearby mobile mammography units, or free clinics for uninsured patients. Hospitals often have social work departments and breast cancer navigators who may be able to provide connections, as well.

Am I at greater risk for breast cancer if it runs in my family?
 

If one or more of your relatives has had breast cancer, a genetic specialist can help answer your questions about your risk. Call our Cancer Support Helpline at CSC-867-5309 (Or toll-free: 888-793-9355) to speak with a genetic specialist. Also consider speaking to your doctor about your potential risk of developing breast cancer.

Don't Forget To Do Breast Self-Exams

Conducting a monthly breast self-exam (BSE) can help detect warning signs. A BSE is a physical and a visual examination of the breast tissue that takes just a few minutes to do. BSEs are important, but they are not a substitute for regular mammograms.

Doing monthly BSEs will help you notice changes to your breasts’ texture, size, and skin condition. People who do BSEs know how their breasts normally look and feel and can see changes sooner. Do not hesitate to talk to a doctor or nurse if you have a question or concerns about your breasts.  

Get tips to do a breast self-exam:

• Ask your primary care doctor, obstetrician, or gynecologist for guidance.
• Review this step-by-step guide on how to perform a BSE through the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
• Watch this BSE video demonstration from City of Hope.

5 Tips To Get Ready for Your Mammogram
 

1. Address the fear. Most mammograms do not result in a diagnosis, so don’t be scared to get one. The American College of Radiology found that for every 1,000 women who have screening mammograms, *100 women are recalled for more images, 20 are recommended for a needle biopsy, and 5 are diagnosed with breast cancer.
2. Deodorant and antiperspirant can affect the image. The powder can be mistaken for calcifications in the breast, so avoid using these products before your screening appointment.
3. Breast implants can make the image more difficult to read. If you have implants, it’s best to tell the imaging center or your mammography technician ahead of your screening appointment.
4. Plan around your menstrual cycle. Try not to schedule a mammogram within a week of your period starting. Swollen, tender breasts can make the scan uncomfortable.
5. Dense breasts have special considerations. Some women have dense breast tissue that may require a combination of a screening mammogram and a screening ultrasound to accurately screen for breast cancer. If you or a family member have been told or think that you have dense breast tissue, speak to your primary care doctor or gynecologist about their breast cancer screening recommendation for you.

*Editor's note: Sometimes, the mammogram pictures are not clear enough to read. Or the pictures might show an abnormal area. If this happens, you will receive a call back for more testing. In most cases, the new tests show that the finding is not cancer.

Doing regular breast self-exams, getting routine mammograms, and learning about your risks are all steps that can help protect you. By staying on top of your health, you give yourself the best chance to catch any problems early. If you have any questions or worries about breast cancer or screening, remember that you are not alone — help and support are always available.  

This blog was originally published in October 2024 and was medically reviewed by Donna M. Angotti, M.D., a board-certified, fellowship-trained breast surgeon who specializes in breast health, the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, and the care of high-risk patients.