What you can expect during your next mammogram

Written by Dr. Jennifer Medley, radiologist at IU Health West Hospital.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise awareness and provide education on breast cancer. As with many types of cancer, early detection is key. In fact, research shows it can increase a woman’s five-year survival rate to 97 percent. IU Health recommends routine screening mammography to improve the likelihood of detection.

What is screening mammography?

A mammogram is a low dose x-ray picture of the breast. They are performed by mammography technologists, who will walk you back to change into your gown. Once you are prepared for the exam, you face the equipment while the technologist gets you in the right position, helping to place your breast on the plates of the machine. You hold your breath for a few seconds while the machine compresses your breast, and takes the image. The technologist helps you change positions a few times to get different images.

Diagnostic mammograms reveal more details.

Typically, a diagnostic mammogram is used for women who need additional imaging after their screening exam, or who are experiencing unusual changes in their breast. Symptoms could include a lump, pain, change in size or shape, and nipple discharge. This type of mammogram will provide your radiologist more detailed views of the breast to help determine if cancer is present. Sometimes ultrasound will also be needed.

Screening mammograms are not usually recommended for men.

Though men can get breast cancer, the screening process is different than for women. Men are screened when needed with a clinical breast exam. If there is a known genetic mutation in a family member (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), you may benefit from a risk assessment.

It could take several days to get your results.

Screening mammogram results are mailed to you within several days. At IU Health, you can also access the information on our patient portal. If your results show you need to come back in for additional imaging, or an abnormal screening exam, you will typically be notified by phone or by mail.

At IU Health, we offer a variety of mammography services, including 3D mammograms, breast MRI, breast ultrasound and Fast MR, to ensure we can meet your unique needs. Our expert team is skilled in identifying breast cancer in its early stages. Learn more or schedule your mammogram by visiting iuhealth.org/mammo.