What is a Mammogram? 

There are a few different types of mammograms: screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, 2D mammograms, and 3D mammograms.   
 

• A screening mammogram is a mammogram that detects signs of breast cancer in women who have no existing symptoms. This mammogram is performed for women ages 40 and older and should be performed annually.   
   

• A diagnostic mammogram is used to diagnose abnormalities found during breast exams. Diagnostic mammograms declare whether the abnormal area may be cancerous, but they also inform the patient if the area is not cancerous but should be monitored or if the abnormal area turns out to be normal.  

• A 2D mammogram takes two pictures of your breasts and creates a 2D image using those pictures.

• A 3D mammogram takes several images of your breasts and creates 3D images using those pictures. 3D mammograms are the standard of care for breast cancer screening. They are more likely to detect breast cancer and reduce the number of false positives.

When a mammogram is being done, a woman stands in front of an X-ray machine while her breast rests on a plate. A second plate firmly presses against her breast from the top, to hold the breast in place while the x-ray is being done. While the mammogram is being done, some pressure will be felt. However, a mammogram only takes a few minutes to complete.   
 

• When signing up for a mammogram, avoid the week before you get your period or the week of your period. Tender breasts are common during periods and may act as discomfort during the mammogram.   

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• Wearing tops that are easy to undress is recommended, as you will be asked to undress from the waist up.   

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• On the day of the mammogram, don’t apply any deodorant, powders, lotions, or perfumes. These may cause white spots to show up on the X-ray.