Understanding Your Mammogram Results: A Comprehensive Guide

Mammograms (X-rays of the breast) detect breast cancer or other breast abnormalities. Health care experts recommend mammograms once every two years for women age 50 to 74 years. Early detection of breast cancer saves many lives, therefore doctors urge women with cancer health risks or a family history of breast cancer to have screenings more often, regardless of her age.

Things You'll Need

• Mammogram results letter

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Instructions

• 1

  Read your mammogram results. You will receive your results via the postal service or at your doctor's office. The results are not an official report; it is a "mammogram results letter" to notify you of normal or abnormal mammogram results. "Normal" results indicate the breast ducts, glands and tissue appear normal and free of any unusual growths or abnormalities.

• 2

  Interpret "abnormal" results to indicate abnormalities or unusual growth that could be cancerous or non-cancerous. Your physician or his nurse will inform you of abnormal results that warrant a follow-up visit.

• 3

  Schedule a second mammogram screening if your results are inconclusive. This means that the radiologist was unable to read your mammogram, possibly because of the use of lotions or underarm deodorant. In addition, women with breast implants sometimes receive inconclusive mammogram results.