Mammograms & Other Types of Breast Exams

Breast exams are the check-ups, mammograms, and other types of screening methods that you may have to find breast cancer before symptoms develop. Having breast exams on a regular basis can help detect breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.

Mammogram
Mammography uses low-dose x-rays to examine your breasts. Annual mammograms (also called screening mammograms) have been shown to significantly reduce the number of women age 40 and older who die from breast cancer. Our screening centers use digital mammography to capture x-ray images as well as computer images in which the picture can be moved and viewed from different angles. 

During a mammogram, you will stand in front of the x-ray machine while the person who takes the x-rays places your breast between two plastic plates. The plates flatten your breast in order to produce a clear picture of the tissue inside.

A screening mammogram usually involves taking two or more x-rays of each breast. The x-ray images can show tumors; they may also show abnormalities that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer.

Mammograms can also be used to diagnose breast cancer when you already have signs of the disease. Learn more about breast cancer diagnosis.