Mammography

What is Mammography?

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms can find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt.

Mammography in Capital Area OB-GYN

  • With our convenient location access to screening mammograms has never been easier. Mammograms are an excellent tool for finding early-stage breast cancer resulting in a decrease of mortality. We recommend beginning annual mammograms at age 40 based on screening recommendations from the American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology, American Medical Association, National Cancer Institute, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
  • Breast cancer is the most common concern in U.S. women. More than 230,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected within the next year, and almost 40,000 women will pass away from this disease. The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is one in six overall and one in eight for invasive disease.

How Often To Receive a Mammogram?

The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk of breast cancer begin annual screening at age 45. Women ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women ages 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms.

How long does a mammogram take?

It takes about 20 – 40 minutes. During the mammogram, a technician positions each breast between two plastic plates. The plates apply pressure to take X-ray images. Each breast is compressed for 20–30 seconds. The compression is important because it allows the breast tissue to spread and flatten.