Mammogram
Advanced breast imaging services designed for early cancer detection.
Call for an appointment: 800.8.COOPER
Mammography is a specialized X-ray imaging technique used to examine breast tissue for early signs of cancer and other breast conditions. It is widely used as both a screening tool for women without symptoms and a diagnostic tool for women who may have breast changes or concerns.
Everything you need to know for your first mammogram
Why Get a Mammogram?
A mammogram is a special type of X-ray used to detect the early signs of breast cancer and other breast conditions – often before symptoms appear. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and gives patients access to wider range of less-invasive options. Routine mammograms can significantly reduce breast cancer mortality by helping doctors catch the disease at its earliest and most treatable stage.
For many women – especially those who may be at higher risk – regular mammograms can also provide peace of mind. Knowing that you are taking proactive steps to monitor your breast health can build confidence and reassurance, allowing you to focus more fully on living your life.
About Mammograms
What to Expect: The Mammogram Procedure
During a mammogram, your breast will be gently placed on a flat support plate and pressed with a parallel plate (called a paddle). The compression lasts only a few seconds and helps spread out the breast tissue, helping the X-ray capture a clearer picture. The machine then takes a quick X-ray of the breast. Depending on the equipment, the image is either captured on film or created digitally and sent to a computer. The images are called mammograms.
On a mammogram, low-density tissues (such as fat) look darker, denser tissue like connective and glandular tissue or tumors appear lighter or white. For standard screening, two images of each breast are taken – one from the top and one from the side. Sometimes, additional views may be taken to take a closer look at a particular area of the breast.
Everything you should know to best prepare for your mammogram.
Try to schedule your appointment for the week after your period, when your breasts are usually less tender. This timing can make the exam more comfortable. If you are no longer having periods, simply schedule your mammogram for a time that works best for you.
Avoid wearing deodorant, perfume, lotion, or powder under your arms or on your chest on the day of your mammogram. These products can sometimes appear on the X-ray images and make them harder to read.
Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to remove your top for your mammogram. This small step can help you feel more at ease.
If you’ve had a mammogram before, bring your past results or make sure they’ve been sent to Cooper’s Breast Imaging Center. Having a record of your previous images helps the radiologist compare results and spot changes more easily. It’s also helpful to share any family history of breast cancer and any breast health concerns you may have.
Let your technologist know if you have breast implants, a history of surgery, or any areas or pain or concern. They’re there to make the process as comfortable as possible and can adjust the exam to meet your needs.
Mammogram Results
After your mammogram, a radiologist will carefully review your images, looking for any areas that appear different from normal breast tissue. These could include a variety of findings, including cancerous tumors, non-cancerous masses called benign tumors, fibroadenomas, or complex cysts.
Radiologists pay close attention to the size, shape, and edges of any area of concern, all of which can indicate the possibility of cancer. They also look for tiny bits of calcium, called microcalcifications, which appear as bright specks on a mammogram. Most microcalcifications are harmless, but sometimes they can be an early sign of breast cancer.
If a mammogram shows something unusual, it does not necessarily mean cancer. To get a clearer picture, your radiologist recommend additional mammogram views, with or without additional magnification or compression, or another imaging test, like an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some cases, a biopsy – which involves taking a small tissue sample – may be needed.
The Different Types of Mammograms
Digital mammography
Digital mammography uses the same low-dose X-ray technology as traditional film mammography, but the images are recorded electronically. This allows for:
• Enhanced image clarity through contrast adjustment.
• Easier sharing of images with other specialists.
• Fewer repeat images, which can reduce overall radiation exposure.
Digital mammography may be especially helpful for younger patients and those with dense breast tissue.
3D mammography (tomosynthesis)
3D mammography, or digital breast tomosynthesis, takes multiple images of the breast from different angles to create a more detailed, layered view. This technique may improve cancer detection and reduce false positives – especially in women with dense breasts.
Although it may involve slightly more radiation than standard 2D mammography, the dose is still within safe limits, and the added clarity may help reduce the need for additional testing.
Simple questions and answers on everything to know about the mammogram process, accuracy, and more.
The right time to begin screening will depend on your age, personal risk factors, and family history of breast cancer. Many women begin routine mammograms around age 40, but it is best to talk with your doctor about the benefits of mammography, when to start screening, and how often to be screened.
If you still get periods, try to schedule your exam for the week after your cycle, when breasts are less likely to be tender. If you no longer have periods, simply choose a time that’s convenient for you.
During a mammogram, gentle compression is used to hold the breast in place and spreads the tissue evenly to make it easier for the X-ray to pass through and capture a clear image. Compression also improves accuracy because it allows radiologists to see all of the breast tissue in one layer, making small changes or abnormalities less likely to be hidden.
You may feel some pressure or brief discomfort when your breast is compressed, but this only lasts a few seconds. Most women describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful. If you are concerned about discomfort, let the technologist know—they will work with you to make the process as easy as possible.
The entire appointment usually takes about 20–30 minutes, with only a few seconds of compression per image.
Yes. Mammograms use a very low dose of radiation, and the benefits of early detection far outweigh the risks.
Mammography is a powerful tool for detecting breast cancer early but, like any test, it has some limitations. One important factor is breast density. Some women naturally have denser breast tissue, which can make it harder for radiologists to see small changes or tumors on a mammogram.
In cases where mammograms are less clear, doctors may recommend additional imaging tests, including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or molecular breast imaging (MBI). Because cancer cells absorb more of the small amount of radioactive tracer used for the test, special cameras can highlight areas of concern in the breast.
You can still have a mammogram. Be sure to tell your technologist—they are trained to adjust the exam so that the tissue around the implant is carefully imaged.
An abnormal result doesn’t always mean cancer. Many findings turn out to be harmless. If something looks unusual, your doctor may recommend additional imaging or, in some cases, a biopsy to learn more.
Why Choose Cooper's Breast Imaging Centers for Your Mammogram
At Cooper’s University Health Care, we take breast health seriously. Our program designed to meet your needs with individualized care and the clinical expertise offered by our breast imaging experts.
- Expertise: All of our breast imaging specialists are fellowship trained and serve as faculty at Cooper Medical School at Rowan University.
- Excellence: Cooper’s Breast Imaging Centers have been designated Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence by the American College of Radiology – making us the only hospital-based imaging program in South Jersey with this distinction.
- Compassionate care: Our mammography technologists are certified by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists and are specially trained to provide gentle, accurate imaging to minimize discomfort and ensure a clear image from the start.
- Team-based approach: Our radiologists work closely with Cooper’s multidisciplinary breast cancer team, providing seamless care follow-up and care when needed.
- Prompt results: The results of your imaging study are reported to you and your ordering physician within days. After a diagnostic study, a breast imager will immediately discuss the findings with you. If additional tests are necessary, they will be scheduled before you leave the center.
- Convenience: With locations in Voorhees, Camden, and Cherry Hill, and appointments available during evenings and weekends, scheduling your mammogram is easy and flexible.
Schedule Your Mammogram Today
Many medical tests require a referral from your doctor. To schedule a test or make an appointment, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737) or click below to schedule online.