A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast. It is still the best tool we
have to find breast cancer early and save lives. All women age 40 and older
should have a mammogram every 1-2 years.
What if I notice any changes in my breast?
Mammograms are very useful, but they cannot find all problems.
If you notice a change in your breast like a lump, thickening, or liquid leaking
from the nipple, call your doctor or clinic right away.
Many breast changes are not cancer, but only a doctor can know for sure.
The FDA MQSA also makes sure that all of the people who work there have the
right training and education, including the people who:
test the equipment to make sure it’s working.
take your mammogram.
study your mammogram.
What about my results?
Your results should be mailed to you in 30 days.
If you don’t get them in 30 days, call the clinic to ask for them.
If you want a second opinion, or if
you change doctors, the law gives
you the right to keep original
mammograms.
What if I have a major problem with my exam or clinic?
Talk with the person on staff whose job it is to handle problems and
complaints.
If your clinic can’t help you, don’t
give up. Find out who approves
your clinic. Make sure to get the
company name, address, and
phone number, and name of a
person you can talk to.
If that doesn’t fix your problem, call FDA at 1-800-838-7715.
What if I have breast implants?
When you make your appointment, make sure to say that you have breast implants.
If the clinic doesn’t accept patients with implants, ask them for the name and phone
number of one that does.
When you get to your appointment, remind the staff that you have implants.
You will need a person who is trained to x-ray women with implants. Implants can hide
breast tissue and make it harder to find problems.
What is digital mammography?
Regular mammograms are viewed
on X-ray film. Digital mammograms
are viewed on a computer.
Who should think about having
digital mammography?
Women under 50 years old.
Women with “dense” breasts.
(Breasts that have more tissue
than fat.)
Call your clinic or doctor to see if
digital mammography is right for
you.
