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Mammography
Did you know a mammogram—an x-ray photograph of the breast—can reveal early stages of breast cancer up to two years before it can appear during a physical exam?
Doctors use mammography to tell if anything looks out of the ordinary. The photograph taken during a mammography is called a mammogram. The American Cancer Society recommends women over age 40 have a mammogram every year.
What to Expect: Getting Your Mammogram
Digital mammography is performed using a low-dose X-ray system to examine the breasts and capture the image electronically. The examination usually involves at least two images of each breast—one taken from the top and one from the side.
During a mammography, a technician places your breast in a rectangular mammography unit with a paddle that compresses the breast. This can cause some mild discomfort. But it is important to hold very still while the picture is being taken to minimize the chances of a blurry image. The entire procedure takes around 30 minutes.
The ideal time for a mammogram is one week after your period. On the day of the exam:
- Don't wear deodorant, lotion or talcum powder under the arms or on the breasts. That's because deodorant may look like calcium deposits on the X-rays. Try to avoid scheduling a mammogram the week before your period if your breasts are tender during that time.
Although most people with breast cancer are female, the disease can affect men. Visit our health library to learn more about men and breast cancer.
Leading-Edge Mammography at Montefiore Einstein
Montefiore Einstein is a leader in mammographic screening and breast imaging, offering the highest-quality mammograms and the latest diagnostic tests such as:
- Breast ultrasound
- Traditional (X-ray) mammography
- Digital mammography
- Breast MRI
- Ultrasound-guided core biopsies
- Fine needle aspirations
- Stereotactic core biopsies
- Tomosynthesis
Have questions? Please feel free to find a treatment location near you.