Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here to remind us of annual mammograms. It’s a time to celebrate survivors, honor those we've lost, and most importantly, spread knowledge about early detection.

Kim Wright, MD, in Diagnostic Radiology at Intermountain Health, provided valuable insight from years of experience diagnosing breast cancer. She shed light on how your annual screening mammography can be a lifesaver.

When and how often should women have their mammograms?

If you're a woman with average breast cancer risk, starting yearly mammograms at age 40 is a crucial first step. Annual mammograms can detect breast cancers at their earliest stages, long before symptoms appear. Early detection is the key to success, catching these cancers before they become widespread.

“Breast cancer can develop within a year, and therefore annual imaging is crucial,” said Dr. Wright.

But what about women at a higher breast cancer risk, due to family history or known genetic mutations? For them, early screenings might be necessary, even before the age of 40. In some cases, additional screening with MRI can also be beneficial. The goal is to stay one step ahead of breast cancer and safeguard your health.

How does a mammogram detect breast cancer?

We recently shared a story on how mammograms can detect breast cancers before you have symptoms. They’re a powerful early detection tool, capable of even finding lump-less cancers.

Regular mammograms can identify breast cancers at their initial stages, often when they are too small to be felt during a physical examination. If something looks off in your annual mammogram, you’ll likely do another diagnostic mammogram and/or a targeted breast ultrasound.

“A diagnostic mammogram is a more targeted set of images that focuses on the area of interest,” said Dr. Wright. “Rarely, if the diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound are inconclusive, breast MRI may be recommended for problem solving purposes.

Dr. Wright suggested if an inclusive finding does not warrant a biopsy, the finding should be followed for two years to ensure stability.

How does a mammogram appointment work?

If you’ve never had a mammogram, it may seem daunting.

“Women are often apprehensive about having a mammogram, particularly the first time,” said Dr. Wright. “Assurance is given that for most women, the exam is not painful.”

This is typically what you can expect:

• Before the appointment - On the day of your appointment, it's essential to come prepared. Wear a two-piece outfit, as you'll need to undress from the waist up. Avoid using deodorants, lotions, or powders in the chest area, as they can interfere with the mammogram's accuracy.
• During the appointment - After checking in, you'll go to a private room with a trained technologist conducting the mammogram. During the procedure, your breast will be placed on the mammography machine’s flat surface. A plate will be lowered to gently compress the breast, which might feel slightly uncomfortable, but is essential for accurate results. Two images of each breast will be taken for approximately 30 seconds per image, and then immediately released.
• After the appointment - After the images are taken, a radiologist, like Dr. Wright, will review them. They will look for abnormalities or signs of breast cancer. If the mammogram results are normal, you'll receive a letter or a phone call to confirm. If there are any areas of concern, you may be called back for additional imaging.

If it’s your first mammogram and you get a follow-up call, don’t panic. Dr. Wright pointed out that many first-time mammograms require additional work, simply because a “normal” breast tissue pattern hasn’t been established.

So, why is an annual mammogram important?

Annual mammograms are cornerstones of breast health. They act as a safety net, capable of identifying abnormalities at initial stages. Regular mammograms increase the chance of successful treatment.

“The most important message is that early detection can save lives,” said Dr. Wright.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of early detection and its potential for survival. Mammograms not only save lives but also provide the peace of mind knowing you're taking proactive steps to protect your health.