What percentage of mammograms are normal?

What percentage of mammograms are normal?

About 67 percent of women age 40 and older get a screening mammogram every one or two years. Of those who get screened, 16 percent will get called back for further testing if it’s their first mammogram, and 10 percent will be called after subsequent mammograms.

Does a positive mammogram mean cancer?

If you’re told your mammogram is abnormal, Rule #1 is: there’s no need to panic. According to the American Cancer Society, less than 10 percent of women called back for more tests after a screening mammogram are found to have breast cancer.

Is it normal to have a normal mammogram?

Studies show that getting a yearly mammogram reduces your risk of dying from breast cancer by 20–40%. Of the millions of women who get their mammogram each year, the vast majority will be told that their results are normal, meaning that the radiologist sees no signs of breast cancer.

Can a dense breast show up on a mammogram?

However, mammograms are not perfect, and it can be difficult to see any abnormalities in people with dense breasts. A mammogram will look different for every individual, and there is no standard normal or abnormal image. Areas that appear white on a mammogram may need follow-up tests but are not often the result of breast cancer.

What does it mean to have a mammogram for breast cancer?

By being aware of how their breasts usually look and feel, they are more likely to notice any changes. Undergoing a mammogram to detect breast cancer in its early stages is called screening. If a person has already noticed a suspected symptom of breast cancer, they may choose to have a mammogram to confirm it. This is called a diagnostic mammogram.

What happens if your mammogram results are abnormal?

Of the millions of women who get their mammogram each year, the vast majority will be told that their results are normal, meaning that the radiologist sees no signs of breast cancer. In these cases, there is no need for follow-up. However, if you do have an abnormal screening mammogram, you will need to undergo further testing.

When should women start regular mammograms?

For most women, who are not at especially high risk of breast cancer, regular mammograms do not need to start before age 50. Or, to be cautious, a woman can get one mammogram earlier (around age 45), and then if it is normal, wait until she is 50 for her next mammogram.

What not to do before a mammogram?

Don’t drink coffee, tea or caffeinated soft drinks during the week before a mammogram. Caffeine can make breasts tender and lumpy, which may lead to discomfort during a mammogram. Chocolate and some over-the-counter pain relievers also contain caffeine.

What do I do if I have an abnormal mammogram?

Typically, after a mammogram, you will receive notice of a normal mammogram. But if doctors see something suspicious, they will notify you of abnormal mammogram results . At that point, you will be called back to take new pictures or to have further testing.