Test Overview
A mammogram is
an
test of the
(mammary glands) used to screen for breast
problems, such as a lump, and whether a lump is fluid-filled (a
) or a solid mass.
A mammogram is
done to help screen for or detect
. Many small tumors can be seen on a
mammogram before they can be felt by a woman or her doctor. Cancer
is most easily treated and cured when it is discovered in an early stage.
Mammograms do not prevent breast cancer or reduce a woman's risk of developing
cancer. But regular mammograms can reduce a woman's risk of dying from breast
cancer by detecting a cancer when it is more easily treated.
Your doctor may recommend testing at a younger age if you have risk factors for breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Screening: When Should I Start Having Mammograms?
A mammogram that appears to detect a cancer, when in fact a
cancer is not present (), can occur at
any age but is more likely to occur in younger women. About 5% to 10% of
screening mammograms will require more testing. This may include another
mammogram of specific breast tissue or another test, such as
an
. Most of these tests will show no cancer is
present.