The Basics
Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may need to start getting mammograms before age 40. Talk to a doctor or nurse about when to start and how often you should get a mammogram.
What Happens During a Mammogram?
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. Mammograms help find breast cancer early. A mammogram does not cause cancer. Mammograms use a very low level of x-rays (or “radiation”).
When you get a mammogram, the nurse will place your breasts, one at a time, between two plastic plates and take pictures of each breast. A mammogram lasts less than 15 minutes.
