Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and it is highly treatable in the early stages. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect changes in breast tissue. It may involve some discomfort.
Regular mammogram screenings are available in many countries, as they can help detect breast cancer in the early stages.
The imaging process can involve some discomfort. However, some steps can reduce it, and pain usually passes quickly. A mammogram is quick and noninvasive. It requires no recovery time, and it can save lives.
According to Breastcancer.org, a mammogram takes about 20 minutes to complete. A technician places the breast between two plates. One plate takes an image of the breast, and the other holds the breast in place.
The images allow the radiographer and the doctor to see whether there are unusual changes in the breast. The doctor will recommend further tests if there is any indication that a change could be cancerous.
Gently compressing the breast keeps it stable and provides a clearer image of the breast tissue.
Several factors affect whether a mammogram causes pain or discomfort, including:
- the skill of the technician
- anxiety about the mammogram
- the structure of the breast
If the machine is not in the correct position, this can also cause issues. For example, some people have to contort their backs due to the height of the machine. This can lead to back or neck pain from muscle strain.
It is essential to inform the technician if the position feels uncomfortable, as this can mean the machine is at the incorrect height.
Anyone with fibrocystic breasts — the presence of harmless cysts — is more likely to experience pain during a mammogram.
It is important to remember that a mammogram can help detect breast cancer in the early stages.
A person can help prevent pain from a mammogram in several ways. The first step is to choose a suitable clinic.
Breastcancer.org advises people to use clinics that have American College of Radiology accreditation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides a
Next, a person can consider the following:
- Timing: Schedule the mammogram for the week after a menstrual period. Hormonal swings during and immediately before a period can increase breast sensitivity.
- History: Inform the technician about fibrocystic breasts and any history of painful mammograms.
- Drugs: Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, 45–60 minutes before the screening may help reduce the pain.
- Padding: Some mammography centers offer padding, such as the brand MammoPad. Cushioning between the breasts and the plates of the machine can significantly reduce pain.
- Breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths before the imaging can reduce tension-induced pain andultimately help produce a more accurate image.
- Stay still during the imaging: Moving — even taking a breath — while the technician is taking the X-ray can blur the image.
- Delaying if nursing: Anyone who is nursing but who will wean soon may want to delay mammograms to avoid discomfort.
A person should notify the technician of any pain, particularly if it is severe. A mammogram should never hurt so much that it deters someone from future screening.
If someone is uncomfortable with their technician, they may wish to ask for a different technician next time or try a different mammography center.
Many technicians are willing to take time to reduce pain. Rushing the screening can increase the risk of discomfort, while a careful approach can ensure proper placement in the machine, which can help reduce the risk of pinching and other sources of pain.
Anyone who has previously had a mammogram should take their old images with them or ensure their doctor grants the clinic access.
This allows the health professional to compare old and new results. A comparison can increase accuracy and prevent false positive or false negative readings.
For example, a person with cysts that a doctor has already confirmed are benign may get a false positive reading if there is no previous mammogram for comparison.
Likewise, if a healthcare professional has previously spotted a small growth, the doctor can use this prior knowledge to monitor for changes. Without reference to previous results, a small growth might go unnoticed.
When to expect results
Usually, the results will be ready in about 1 week. Some clinics offer same-day results.
A doctor may want to discuss the results in person. A positive result on a mammogram can cause concern and anxiety, but it does not necessarily mean that cancer is present.
Most positive mammograms require further diagnostic tests, and many find lumps that are not cancerous.
When mammograms show unusual growths, follow-up tests are necessary. These can include:
- ultrasound
- MRI scan
- another mammogram
- blood tests
- a breast biopsy
When cancer is present, early treatment dramatically increases survival rates. According to the American Cancer Society, a person with a diagnosis of breast cancer at a localized stage has a
Mammograms are safe but involve brief exposure to very low radiation levels. For this reason, a doctor is unlikely to recommend a mammogram during pregnancy.
The risk of radiation exposure
The main
- False-positive results: The image may indicate that cancer is present when it is not, leading to unnecessary further testing and, potentially, anxiety. Bringing previous results can help reduce this risk.
- False-negative results: A mammogram may not reveal a very small lump or change. Some changes, particularly those in dense breast tissue, do not show up.
Mammograms do not detect all breast cancers. Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but aggressive type that causes skin changes, swelling, pain, and inflammation. There may or may not be a lump.
Due to the limitations of imaging technology, everyone needs to be familiar with the regular shape and feel of their breasts to help recognize unusual changes.
The
People with any of the following may need additional screening:
- a personal history of breast cancer or high risk breast lesions
- genetic factors, such as mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
- a history of chest radiation exposure during childhood
People should discuss their history and risk levels with their doctor, who can make personalized recommendations. Other organizations may have different guidelines.
Each person should speak with a doctor about whether to have regular screening, as the most suitable choice varies among individuals.
Are mammograms more painful for small or large breasts?
Mammograms are not meant to be painful but may be uncomfortable.
How long does the actual mammogram take?
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), a mammogram only takes a few minutes, and the whole appointment may take around 30 minutes.
Why do you have to hold your breath during a mammogram?
A person must stay still during a mammogram to produce the most clear image. Even taking a breath while the technician is taking the X-ray can blur the image.
A mammogram is a quick, simple and noninvasive screening that requires minimal preparation and recovery time.
As a result of scientific advances, detecting and treating breast cancer in the early stages means there is usually an excellent chance of survival.
A mammogram can be uncomfortable for a short time, but it is a helpful tool for detecting and treating breast cancer.
Q:
Are the screening and development of breast cancer the same for trans people and cisgender men as they are for cisgender women?
A:
Breast cancer occurs in the breast cells or tissues. Even though cisgender men do not have milk-producing breasts, their breast cells and tissues can still develop cancer. In short, a transgender person can develop breast cancer.
All adults who have a genetic mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene will almost always have a referral for regular mammography screening. For the most part, it’s important to practice breast self-awareness so people can discuss unusual changes with doctors.
Christina Chun, MPHAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.