What is Mammography?

Mammography

Mammography is radiography or x-ray of the breast, and is referred to as either:

Screening mammography - a wellness check using breast x-rays
Diagnostic mammography - breast x-rays for a woman with a breast concern: a lump, thickness and/or pain.

Two x-ray views are taken when you undergo screening mammography: one downwards from the top of the breast and the other vertically from the side of the breast. In diagnostic mammography additional views to magnify the area of concern may also be taken.

Women can be concerned about:

Radiation - the dose of radiation used is very low and less than you would get in a year from natural radiation.
Compression - most women find the compression no more than uncomfortable. If you have had recent breast surgery, have breast implants, or found your last mammogram very uncomfortable, please discuss this with the mammographer (specialist breast x-ray technician) prior to your examination as there are ways to help you mange your discomfort.

Why is mammography used?

Screening mammography is a wellness test, and may detect breast problems before you have any symptoms or concerns. It may show changes in the breast up to two years before you or your doctor can feel a breast lump. This early detection of small breast cancers is important as it enables early treatment.

Diagnostic mammography is used to assist in the diagnosis of an area of concern already identified by you or your doctor.

When should women undergo screening mammography?

Regular screening mammography is recommended for all women over 40 years of age. Plus there are other recommendations:

Women from 40-50 years should have annual mammography.
Women over 50 years of age may continue to have annual mammography or opt to have two-yearly mammography. If you are unsure which applies to you, discuss this with your doctor.
Women who have had a previous breast cancer should have annual mammography.
Women who have a first degree relative (ie, their mother or a sister) who has had breast cancer should start having mammograms ten years in age before the age at which their relative was diagnosed.

We maintain strict processes to ensure our mammography service meets international quality standards.

Pre Examination

You will be asked to take off your clothing from the waist up, and given a top to wear. For ease of undressing, you may like to wear a shirt and a skirt, or trousers.

Please don't wear deodorant or talcum powder on your breasts or armpits on the day of your examination. Discuss any breast symptoms or problems with the mammographer before the examination and bring along any previous mammography films to your appointment. It is important for the radiologists interpreting the mammogram to have previous studies for comparison as they compare previous films with new images to look for any areas of change. Please remember to also bring the referral note from your doctor.

The Examination

A skilled mammographer will take at least two pictures of each breast. Each breast is placed on the x-ray machine and compressed with a plastic paddle. This flattening of the breast will reduce the breast thickness and hold the breast still, which optimises image quality and reduces radiation dosage.

Most women would describe the compression as uncomfortable, rather than painful. If you have found the compression painful, please discuss your concerns with the mammographer.

Sometimes further x-ray views may be needed to show an area of the breast more clearly. Don't be concerned if this occurs. An ultrasound scan may also be necessary to complete your examination.

Having a mammogram only takes about 20 minutes.

Post Examination

After the images are taken, you will be asked to wait until the mammographer has viewed them to see if any more are needed.