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CancerQuest > Introduction to Patient Information > Introduction to Cancer Detection and Diagnosis > Introduction to Mammography

Introduction to Mammography

It is recommended that women age 40 and older have regular mammograms. Screening is important because the earlier cancer is detected the better the chances are for successful treatment and survival. When detection occurs before any spread, the five-year survival rate is 97%. After spread to the local lymph nodes, it is 76%. After metastasis to other organs, the five-year survival rate is 20%.⁽¹⁾

Click on the image below to view a Mammography Documentary. Be sure to return to read the rest of our mammography information.
 

Mammography is useful in discovering tumors too small to be felt. The procedure involves taking an X-ray of the breast with a very low radiation dose. It has been shown that there is little risk from the exposure for women over 35 who have annual mammograms. However, for younger women who are at high risk for breast cancer due to their BRCA status, exposure to X-rays may lead to an increase in risk.⁽²⁾

Patients should verify that their clinic is FDA certified and specializes in mammography or processes a large number of mammograms. Visit the FDA to verify that your local facility is accredited. Most health plans, Medicare, and Medicaid cover part or all of the costs of mammography. The American Cancer Society has information about low cost mammograms available in most areas.⁽¹⁾.

The following pages discuss:

• What to Expect
• Results of a Mammography
• Mammography After Mastectomy
• Mammography After Breast Augmentation
• Frequently Asked Questions About Mammography

References for this page:

1. "Mammography and Other Breast Imaging Procedures." American Cancer Society (6-19-2002). [http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/FindCancerEarly/ExamandTestDescriptions/MammogramsandOtherBreastImagingProcedures/mammograms-and-other-breast-imaging-procedures]
2. Mettler FA, Upton AC, Kelsey CA, Ashby RN, Rosenburg RD, Linver MN. "Benefits Versus Risks from Mammography: A Critical Reassessment." Cancer (1996). 77(5): 903-909. [PUBMED]