Why You Need a Mammogram

Mammograms are very good at detecting cancers, and they often can detect cancers at a much earlier time than if you or your doctor examined your breast.

However, some cancers can be felt and not seen on the x-ray. Therefore, it is important not only to do the mammogram but also check your breasts regularly.

Have your doctor check them as well. You can contact the American Cancer Society or your doctor's office for information on how to check your breasts and how often you should do this.

By obtaining regular mammograms, doing breast self-examinations, and having your doctor check your breasts, you will pick up cancers at a much earlier time and the treatment of any cancer found will be much more successful.

If you have had a mammogram within the last year, do you need a mammogram?
Generally, you do not need a mammogram in less than a year. However, cancers can develop even though you have had a normal mammogram.

Should you feel a lump, please contact your doctor immediately. Do not assume that if your mammogram was normal within the last year, then it is impossible to have a newly developed cancer.

Under those circumstances, your doctor may want you to have another follow-up mammogram, even though it has been less than a year since your last one.

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