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Screening Mammograms

A screening mammogram is an important tool in women’s health care, designed to detect breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. In fact, a mammogram can find breast cancer up to two years before a lump is large enough to be felt.


During a screening mammogram, a low-dose X-ray captures images of your breast tissue. It might feel slightly uncomfortable for a few moments, but it’s quick, and most women only experience minimal discomfort. These X-ray images are then carefully examined by radiologists who specialize in detecting abnormalities. 

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3D Screening Mammograms

At Houston Methodist, our board-certified radiologists use advanced 3D technology to detect the smallest lumps and abnormalities with accuracy. Our radiologists will review your mammogram history and track results over time — detecting changes earlier. This is key because early detection through mammograms can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery. 

 

Breast cancer screening through 3D digital mammograms — also known as digital breast imaging or digital mammography — provides the clearest pictures of your breasts, reducing the chance of being called back for follow-up imaging and improving the chance of catching breast cancer as early as possible.

When to Get a Screening Mammogram

Like many types of cancer, the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the outcome. And one of the best ways to catch breast cancer early is by having mammograms every year after age 40 — or even earlier, if you have a family history of breast cancer. Houston Methodist experts recommend talking to your primary care provider or gynecologist at age 25 to help determine your risk level and if you should start getting screened sooner.

 

It’s important to understand that different people experience different breast cancer symptoms — including no signs or symptoms at all. If you have any of the following sign or symptoms, you should see your doctor right away:

  • Lumps, hard knots or thickening inside the breast or underarm
  • Breast swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Skin dimpling or puckering
  • An itchy, scaly nipple sore or rash
  • Nipple or breast inversion or retraction
  • Sudden nipple discharge
  • New pain in one spot that does not go away

 

You can improve your chances of catching breast cancer early by performing regular breast self-examinations. A clinical breast exam should be part of your annual well-woman checkup performed by your doctor, as should an annual mammogram.

Screening Mammograms — What You Need to Know

Women who are asymptomatic and have an average risk of breast cancer should begin mammograms at the age of 40 and continue being screened every single year up until good health, which is a personal decision for each woman. At Houston Methodist, you do not need a doctor’s order to schedule a screening mammogram.
  • How to Prepare
  • What to Expect
  • Understanding Your Results
  • How to Prepare

    Preparing for a screening mammogram is simple.

    On the day of your exam:

     

    • Wear comfortable clothing. You may find it easier to wear a top and pants so that you’ll only need to remove your top and bra.
    • Don’t apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes under your arms or on or under your breasts. Some of these contain substances that can show up on the X-ray as white spots. If you’re not going home after your exam, you might want to take your deodorant or antiperspirant with you to put on after your exam. 
       
  • What to Expect

    What to expect during your screening mammogram:

    The mammogram process is relatively quick and easy. Your technologist will walk you through each step during your appointment, but here is what you can expect when you get a mammogram at a Houston Methodist Breast Care Center:

     

    • First, you will remove your top and bra and put on the provided robe.
    • Then, a mammogram technologist will help position one of your breasts on the specialized X-ray machine.
    • Next, the machine will compress your breast for just a few seconds while the technologist takes an X-ray. This process is then repeated about two or three times for each breast. Each compression is very quick, and the entire imaging process lasts about five minutes.
    • Finally, you will get dressed and continue on with your day.
  • Understanding Your Results

    What your screening mammogram results mean:

    Your mammogram screening report summarizes the findings from your breast X-ray. It typically includes details like the appearance of breast tissue, any abnormalities or areas of concern, such as lumps or calcifications (tiny mineral deposits), and whether further tests or follow-up are recommended. 

    The report may also mention the density of breast tissue, or dense breasts, which can affect how well X-rays can see through the tissue. 

    If everything looks normal, the report will indicate that no further action is needed until the next scheduled screening. If there are findings that need further evaluation, the report may recommend additional tests, such as a follow-up mammogram (called a diagnostic mammogram), ultrasound or biopsy. The goal is to detect any potential issues early when treatment may be most effective.

    Generally, if the radiologist finds anything concerning with your mammogram, you will be notified right away. If everything is normal, you should receive your report within a few days.

Screening Mammogram Benefits

Screening Mammogram Benefits

 

Annual screening mammograms offer:

 
  • Early detection: They can detect breast cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms appear, increasing the chances of successful treatment and better outcomes.
  • Improved survival rates: Early detection through mammograms can lead to earlier treatment, which may improve survival rates compared to cancers detected at later stages.
  • Monitoring changes: Regular mammograms allow doctors to monitor changes in breast tissue over time, which helps in identifying any new or suspicious developments early.
  • Risk reduction: Detecting breast cancer early can potentially reduce the need for extensive treatments like chemotherapy or mastectomy by catching cancers when they are smaller and more treatable.
  • Peace of mind: For many women, regular screening provides peace of mind knowing they are actively monitoring their breast health and taking steps to detect any issues early.
  • Guiding treatment: If cancer is detected, early detection through mammograms allows for more treatment options and potentially less aggressive treatment plans.

Schedule Your 3D Screening Mammogram at Houston Methodist

Overall, annual screening mammograms are an important tool in the early detection and management of breast cancer, potentially saving lives through timely intervention. Schedule your 3D screening mammogram today at a Houston Methodist Breast Care Center or Breast Imaging Center close to you. 

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FAQs About Screening Mammograms

Do screening mammograms hurt?

For many women, a screening mammogram may cause some discomfort, but it typically does not cause severe pain. The most uncomfortable part is usually the compression of the breast, often described as a feeling of pressure or squeezing, between two plates to get a clear X-ray image. Keep in mind that sensitivity to discomfort can vary greatly among individuals, and factors such as breast density and sensitivity to pressure can influence how uncomfortable the procedure feels.

Are screening mammograms safe?

Yes, screening mammograms are considered safe and are widely recommended as an effective tool for detecting breast cancer early. Radiation exposure during a mammogram is low, about the equivalent of a dental X-ray.

How often should I get a screening mammogram?

Houston Methodist breast care experts recommend patients get an annual mammogram starting at age 40 — and younger if they have a family history of breast cancer.

How long does a screening mammogram take?

A screening mammogram typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish.

What Is a digital mammogram?

A digital mammogram, also known as digital breast imaging or digital mammography, is a type of mammogram that uses digital technology to capture and store X-ray images of the breast.

When should I get a diagnostic mammogram?

Diagnostic mammograms are used for women who have symptoms such as a lump, pain, nipple thickening or discharge, or whose breasts have changed shape or size. Providers also use diagnostic mammograms to evaluate abnormalities detected in a screening mammogram. Getting called back for a diagnostic mammogram can be unsettling, but it is actually fairly common — about 10-12% — and it doesn’t mean you have breast cancer. Fewer than 1 in 10 women who are called back for more tests after a screening mammogram test positive for breast cancer.

Does insurance cover the cost of screening mammograms?

While insurance typically covers mammograms as a preventive service for women of a certain age or risk category, it is important to review your insurance plan documents or contact your insurance provider directly to understand your specific coverage. This can help you plan and schedule screenings effectively while maximizing your insurance benefits.
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