Chances are you’ve heard regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer are really important. But something might be holding you back from making that appointment.
We know that some people find mammograms scary, awkward or even embarrassing for a variety of reasons. Some think they don’t need one because they’re healthy, while others might have concerns or heard inaccurate information about the costs, safety, discomfort or what the screening results may reveal.
Mammogram is the common breast cancer screening method and is used when the person has no breast cancer symptoms. The timing and frequency of mammogram screenings will depend on a range of factors, including your medical history, whether you have a family history of breast cancer, your breast density and more. But there are some important mammogram screening guidelines and recommendations to keep in mind.
What age should you get a mammogram screening? Talk to your doctor at 40.
Once you’ve turned 40, we recommend talking to your doctor about when to start screening mammograms. If you’re younger and concerned about your risks of getting breast cancer, ask your doctor about getting a risk assessment or genetic testing for breast cancer. For example, HealthPartners breast centers offer risk assessments. In some cases, some women may begin screening prior to age 40. Reasons to start screening earlier than age 40 can include having a first-degree family member like a parent or sibling who has breast cancer, or a BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 genetic mutation.
How often should you get a mammogram? Usually once every 1-2 years.
Once you and your doctor decide to begin mammograms, they typically happen every 1-2 years.
Keeping up with your mammograms is very important regardless of your history because more than 80% of women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
Why are regular mammogram screenings important? They save lives.
One in 8 women will get a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. And when used as a preventive breast cancer screening tool, mammograms allow doctors to find breast cancers when they’re still small, even in women who have no symptoms of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.
The good news is that most health insurance plans, including Medicare, cover mammograms for breast cancer screening at 100%, so there’s no cost to you. But before you make a mammogram appointment, check with your health insurance company about your coverage for screening mammograms – including how they cover different types of mammograms and how often you can get one.
If you don’t have insurance, screening mammogram costs can vary based on your state, where you go for care and the type of mammography you choose.
The good news is that, under the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), you may be eligible for a no- or low-cost screening if you are between the ages of 40 and 64, do not have insurance coverage for screening exams and meet specific income criteria.
What is a mammogram exactly?
A mammogram is type of breast exam that uses X-rays to see the inside of your breasts. Breasts are made up of multiple layers of tissue and a mammogram captures images of these layers to help detect potentially cancerous tissues.
What are doctors looking for during a mammogram?
A radiologist (a doctor specially trained in medical imaging) will look for signs that could indicate cancer in your breast such as masses, certain arrangements of calcium deposits, and changes in the shape of your tissue. Prior mammograms are helpful for comparison and can provide a more accurate reading, which is one of the many reasons why mammogram screenings are recommended on a regular basis.
Are mammograms safe?
Yes. Although mammograms use X-rays, breast tissue is only exposed to very low doses of radiation. Best practices say that the benefits of getting mammograms far exceed the risk of having them. But it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor about what's best for you.
Do mammograms hurt?
While everyone feels pain differently, mammograms only cause temporary discomfort. Compression of the breast tissue is needed to get the highest-quality image but is not harmful for your breast. It’s also important to know that the mammogram itself lasts for just 5-10 minutes, so any discomfort will come and go fairly quickly.
You may consider taking an over-the-counter pain medication like aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen an hour before your appointment if you’re worried about feeling uncomfortable.
If you’re scheduling your first screening, learn more about how to prepare for a mammogram.
How is a mammogram done?
You’ll stand in front of a mammogram machine, which will take pictures of each breast from two different views, the top and the side. Your breast will be put between two plates and compressed. You’ll feel pressure for just a few seconds until the image appears for the technologist.
While your mammogram appointment may last a total of 30 minutes or less, the mammogram itself lasts just 5-10 minutes.
How accurate are mammograms?
Mammograms are the best tool to find breast cancer early. Still, some women may need more breast exams and tests in addition to screening mammograms.
Fast. Easy. Worth it. Mammograms.
Mammograms are easier and faster than you might think. As we mentioned, the whole process will only take about 30 minutes or less, with the mammogram itself lasting just 5-10 minutes. If you have a breast cancer screening mammogram, you can expect to get results within a few days of the test.
HealthPartners and Park Nicollet has over 30 locations for mammograms throughout the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin – which means there’s a good chance that you could get your screening at your usual clinic location. So if you’re scheduling your yearly checkup and are due for a mammogram, see if you can have both at the same location on the same day.
We also offer walk-in mammograms at many locations, so you can stop in when you have extra time or are at your annual checkup. Walk-in availability depends on the number of scheduled appointments at the time of your arrival, so you can also look at same-day mammogram appointment openings online. Mammograms are also available via our Mammo a-go-go mobile mammography unit, which travels to many clinic locations throughout the Twin Cities.
Mammograms are the best way to prevent breast cancer or find it early. So make it a priority to get screened.