Having A Mammogram - Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts to detect breast cancer before it shows any signs or symptoms. Early detection can reduce the chance of dying from breast cancer by approximately one third, as small, early cancers are easier to treat. Screen-detected cancers are also more likely to be treated without having to completely remove the breast.

Having regular screening mammograms can’t prevent breast cancer but can detect it early and reduce (but not completely eliminate) the risk of dying from the disease.

A mammogram is currently the most accurate method of breast screening but can’t give an absolute guarantee that cancer is not present, because some cancers are harder to see on mammography and dense breast tissue can make mammograms harder to “read”.

Previously, mammogram pictures were stored on film but digital mammography is now used and images are stored and viewed on a computer, allowing radiologists to enlarge certain areas to examine them more closely. This improved technology has increased breast cancer detection rates.

Breast tomosynthesis or 3D mammography is a newer technology which takes multiple low dose x-rays of the breast then creates a three-dimensional picture on a computer. This uses more radiation than standard 2D mammography but may give a clearer picture, detect more cancers and reduce recalls for further testing.