What is a mammogram (mammography)?

Mammography is a type of scanning that uses low dose x-rays to examine the breast. It is used to help identify breast cancer in its early stages as it can find cancers that are too small to feel.

Having a mammogram
During a mammogram the radiographer will position your breast in a mammography unit.
Your breast will be placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle. This is necessary so all the breast tissue can be x-rayed. The radiographer will then walk behind a screen and activate the machine.
The whole procedure will take around 30 minutes

Mammography

Digital Mammogram

Our centre offers digital mammography, the most up-to-date technology in breast cancer screening.

International standards recommend a baseline mammogram for every woman, starting at the age of 40. Screening mammograms should be obtained at least every two years thereafter.

Digital mammography offers an alternative to traditional mammography. Images of breast tissue are captured on a computer instead of traditional X-ray film. This allows the images to be assessed from different angles, unlike traditional mammograms.

• Dense breast tissue can be better visualized.
• Digital images can be enhanced to look for changes in breast tissue.
• Digital images can be corrected for underexposure or overexposure, so that repeat mammograms are not needed.