What mammogram looks for

Overview

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use it to look for early signs of breast cancer, such as small lumps or calcium deposits that cannot be felt during a physical exam. It can also help find other breast changes that may need further testing.

Yes, mammograms are a common and safe screening test. Millions of women have mammograms each year as part of routine breast health checks.

Mammograms are usually done for women, but men with symptoms such as a breast lump may also have one. People with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may start screening earlier.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Most women having a mammogram have no symptoms — it is a routine screening test.
• Some people get mammograms because they notice a lump, breast pain, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or a change in the shape or size of the breast.

Symptoms in children

• Breast problems in children are rare. If a child has a breast lump, a doctor may use ultrasound rather than mammogram.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have mammograms as part of routine health checks. It is still effective for finding breast cancer in women over 70.

Causes

Main causes

• Mammograms look for signs of breast cancer, which is caused by abnormal cells growing out of control in the breast tissue.
• The exact cause of breast cancer is not known, but it involves genetic changes that happen over time.

Risk factors

• Getting older (most cases are in women over 50).
• Having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
• Having certain gene changes (like BRCA1 or BRCA2).
• Dense breast tissue (which can make mammograms harder to read).
• Being overweight, drinking alcohol, or lack of physical activity.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A new lump in your breast or armpit.
• Changes in the size or shape of your breast.
• Nipple discharge that is bloody or happens without squeezing.
• Skin changes on your breast (dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling).

Book a routine appointment if:

• All women should talk to their doctor about when to start having regular mammograms based on their age and risk.
• If you have a family history of breast cancer, ask your doctor if you need earlier or more frequent screening.

Diagnosis

A mammogram is a key part of diagnosing breast conditions. If the mammogram shows an area of concern, the doctor may recommend more tests, such as a breast ultrasound or a biopsy (taking a small sample of tissue for examination).

Tests that may be done

• Mammogram (screening or diagnostic).
• Breast ultrasound (uses sound waves to take pictures of breast tissue).
• Biopsy (removing a tiny piece of the suspicious area to check for cancer cells).
• Sometimes an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) of the breast.

What to expect at your appointment

During a mammogram, you stand in front of a special X-ray machine. Two flat plates gently press your breast for a few seconds to get a clear image. The compression may be uncomfortable but lasts only a moment. You will usually get the results within a few days.

Treatment

If a mammogram finds breast cancer, treatment depends on the type, size, and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Many treatment options are available, and doctors aim to remove or destroy the cancer while keeping healthy tissue.

Self-care at home

• Keep a record of any breast changes you notice between mammograms.
• Follow your doctor's advice on when to schedule your next mammogram.
• If you have a lump that is not cancer (benign), you may not need any treatment, but your doctor will monitor it.

Medical treatments

Treatments for breast cancer may include surgery to remove the lump or the whole breast, radiation therapy to kill cancer cells, and medications such as hormone therapy or chemotherapy. Your healthcare team will explain the best plan for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is often part of treatment. It may be a lumpectomy (removing just the lump and a small area around it) or a mastectomy (removing the whole breast). The choice depends on many factors, and your doctor will discuss the options with you.

Living with this condition

If you are waiting for mammogram results or have been diagnosed with breast cancer, try to take one day at a time. Follow your treatment plan and keep all follow-up appointments.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active with gentle exercise like walking, if your doctor says it is safe.
• Limit alcohol to reduce the risk of breast cancer returning.
• Maintain a healthy weight through diet and activity.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support your overall health. Regular physical activity may help improve energy, mood, and reduce cancer risk. Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise programme.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a mammogram that shows something unusual or being diagnosed with breast cancer can be stressful. It is normal to feel anxious, scared, or sad. Talk to your doctor about support services, and do not be afraid to ask for help.

Prevention

You cannot completely prevent breast cancer, but healthy habits may lower your risk. These include staying active, eating well, limiting alcohol, and not smoking.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents breast cancer. However, vaccines for HPV (human papillomavirus) can help prevent some other cancers.

Screening programmes

Regular mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Talk to your doctor about when to start screening.

Complications

If left untreated

• If breast cancer is not found early and left untreated, it can grow and spread to other parts of the body, making it harder to treat.
• Untreated breast cancer can cause pain, open sores on the breast, and eventually spread to bones, lungs, or liver.

Long-term outlook

Most breast cancers found early by mammogram can be treated successfully. Survival rates have improved greatly thanks to better detection and treatments. Even if you are diagnosed, many people live a full life after treatment.

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