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Mammography
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This page describes how x-rays are used during a mammography.
On this page:
Overview
A high-quality mammogram is an effective tool for early detection of breast cancer. Mammography machines produce x-rays, which pass through the soft parts of bodies and capture a two-dimensional image of the dense parts, including tumors and cysts.
Like microwaves, radio waves, and visible light, the x-rays produced by a mammography machine are a form of electromagnetic radiation. Unlike microwaves, radio waves, and visible light, x-rays are ionizing radiation, which is capable of removing electrons from atoms and damaging living cells and the DNA of those cells. However, since mammography machines only produce radiation during operation and the amount of radiation used is small, resulting medical problems are unlikely.
Who is protecting you
The States
State radiation programs, in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), manage the inspection of mammography equipment and facilities.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Congress enacted the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) in 1992 to ensure that all women have access to the high-quality mammogram necessary to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. As a result of MQSA, FDA developed and implemented mammography quality standards regulations. In addition, MQSA mandates that facilities ask about breast implants prior to performing mammogram, deliver the mammogram results directly to the patients, transfer mammograms to other facilities upon request, and limit discussions with patients to any concerns a patient may have about the procedure. Technicians may only discuss the procedure with patients; only a certified radiologist may interpret the results.)
FDA regulates mammography facilities, equipment and personnel. All mammography facilities are required to be certified by the American College of Radiology; have qualified personnel with the necessary credentials; and adhere to quality control measures, patient dose maximums, and image quality standards.
What you can do to protect yourself
Typically, people's exposure to x-rays is almost entirely from dental and medical x-rays, including a mammogram. The best way to protect yourself from excessive exposure to x-rays is to make sure the technician performing the procedure has the proper qualifications and receive assurance the x-ray machine has been inspected recently and is properly calibrated. You can also talk with your healthcare providers about when to schedule x-rays, how often you should have x-rays, and whether other procedures can provide equivalent information.
Resources
Ionizing
Radiation and Breast Cancer Risk
 31 January 2005. Cornell University This page uses a question and answer format to address the myths and realities of radiation exposure and its relationship to breast cancer. |
| Ionizing
Radiation Machines – X-Rays
14 September 2005. Florida Department of Health This page provides facts on x-ray machines, which includes mammography machines. |
| Mammography 1 February 2006. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiological Health The page provides links to information for mammography facility personnel, inspectors, and consumers about the implementation of the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992. |
| Mammography
Today (PDF) (4pp, 71Kb) 14 September 2005. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiological Health This document answers questions on mammograms for patients on being informed consumers. |
| Office of Radiation Protection
10 February 2006. Washington State Department of Health This page discusses how Washington State’s Office of Radiation Protection inspect facilities using mammography machines. |
| Radiology Info:
Mammography
21 September 2005. American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America This page answers frequently asked questions about receiving a mammogram. |