For those who have never had a digital mammogram because of fear of pain, feeling embarrassed, or worries that lead to questions in the mind, today we will clear up the most common questions so that everyone truly understands the benefits of digital mammogram screening, which once you know the facts, you might say, “I wish I had done this a long time ago.”
Q: Does a mammogram hurt a lot? Can it be done during menstruation?
A: The pain during a mammogram depends on the density of the breast tissue as well as the timing of the exam. If you are menstruating, you can still have the exam as usual without any harm to the body. However, near or during menstruation, you may feel natural breast tenderness, which can cause more pain than usual during the exam.
The best time for the exam is 7-14 days after menstruation.
Q: Is the radiation from a mammogram harmful?
A: The exam has no long-term harm, as the radiation dose is very low. One mammogram is equivalent to the radiation we receive in daily life over about 7 weeks. Radiation is naturally present around us—in the air, water, sunlight, etc.—and cannot be avoided. However, for pregnant women or those who might be pregnant, doctors do not recommend the exam to ensure the safety of the fetus. If abnormalities are found, the doctor will perform an ultrasound instead.
Q: How is a mammogram different from an ultrasound?
A: A mammogram uses radiation to detect small abnormal calcifications in the breast that may not be seen on ultrasound. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to examine breast tissue, distinguishing normal tissue from lumps and determining whether a lump is dangerous.
Q: How long does a mammogram take?
A: It takes about 30 minutes, with two images taken on each side (left and right). The digital mammogram machine compresses the breast from top to bottom and side to side, totaling 4 images to show detailed breast tissue.
Q: Can you have a mammogram if you have breast implants?
A: You can have a mammogram as usual by informing the doctor or radiology staff before the exam so they can use techniques to better view the breast tissue. For those worried that the machine might press the breast hard enough to rupture the silicone, in reality, silicone is very flexible and will not break from a mammogram.
Q: Who should get screened and how often?
A: All women aged 35 and older should monitor for breast cancer by having a digital mammogram combined with a breast ultrasound once a year.
Women under 35 who have risk factors such as a family history of breast cancer can start digital mammogram screening before age 35 or as recommended by their doctor.
Breast cancer screening with “digital mammogram” is something women should do every year without waiting until they are older. Screening can start as early as age 20, regardless of risk group, because early detection increases the chances of effectively fighting cancer and allows for better life planning.