Screening Mammogram

For detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages, screening mammography is the single most effective method of all. Mammograms are vital because they can locate a lump too small to be found during a self-exam.

Mammography is simply a breast x-ray. It allows the x-ray specialist, or radiologist, to see the internal structures of your breasts without the need for injection of dyes or contrast materials. Screening mammography can uncover unexpected problems in women with no other symptoms. Diagnostic mammograms -- which are conducted in virtually the same manner -- help identify a lump or other change found during a BSE or clinical breast examination.

Your doctor may recommend the use of mammograms earlier or more frequently than usual if there's reason to believe that you are at higher than average risk. Increased screening may be warranted, for instance, if you have a family history of breast cancer (a mother, sister, or daughter with the disease). You are also at greater risk if you have never been pregnant or had your first child after age 30, began menstruating early, or had a late menopause.

Radiation exposure from a mammogram is minimal. There is much evidence to support the belief that the benefits of detecting and successfully treating early breast cancer far outweigh any hypothetical risks from the x-ray -- especially for women over age 50.

The US Food and Drug Administration maintains a listing at its web site of all certified mammography facilities. Federal regulations required all of them to meet national quality control standards and receive federal certification. When scheduling a mammogram, double-check to be sure the facility observes these standards.

From: Yahoo Health