Mia Kazanjian MD answers commonly asked questions on breast health

Mia Kazanjian MD, Director of Women’s Imaging at NRC, based in Fairfield County CT, recommends annual screening mammograms starting at age 40. Here, she answers some of your most frequently asked mammography questions.

What is a screening mammogram?
A screening mammogram is an imaging test that uses low dose X rays to take images of the breasts, with the goal of finding breast cancer early, before it is able to be felt. The standard test is made up of 2 views per breast — a top down view (aka CC view) and a side view (aka MLO view). This test is used for patients who have no abnormal signs or symptoms in either breast. A mammogram is the gold standard tool to find breast cancer, which affects 1/8, or 13%, of women. Since mammograms started use in the 1980s, breast cancer deaths overall have decreased by about 35%. We more recently have the advantage of 3D (aka tomosynthesis) mammogram images, which create a movie through the breasts so we can more accurately evaluate the tissue. It's a great example of an early detection test that can find cancer when it's early and small, which is when cancer is best treated.

What is a diagnostic mammogram?
A diagnostic mammogram is an imaging test that uses X rays to take images inside the breast, with the goal of looking for breast cancer. This study is used for patients who had an abnormal imaging finding on a screening mammogram, or who have breast signs and/or symptoms. These include a “lump” (aka a palpable abnormality), an area the patient or doctor feels; focal pain; or nipple discharge, among others. A diagnostic mammogram may use some of the same images as a screening mammogram, but has the advantage of more focused, zoomed images to get a closer look at an abnormality. These are routinely performed live under the direction of a radiologist, and ultrasound is also often used to target findings and help make a decision about next steps.

At what age should I start getting mammograms, and how often should I get a mammogram?
Screening mammograms should start at age 40 in average risk women and be done every year, per the American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI).
If a woman is found to be at high risk, with a lifetime risk of over 20%, she should start getting mammograms sooner, by the age of 30. Talk to a doctor about doing a risk assessment, such as the Tyrer Cuzick IBIS assessment tool, by the age of 25 to determine this.

Does a mammogram hurt?
Most people find that a mammogram does not hurt. Some people can experience pressure during a mammogram, particularly during the brief time the compression plate pushes on the breast. In order to minimize any discomfort, it may be best to avoid scheduling the mammogram the week before and during a menstrual period. Other effective methods include taking ibuprofen an hour before the mammogram and communicating with the technologist who takes the images, so that the breast position and compression plate are in ideal positions.

How long do mammograms take?
Mammograms are quick! Each of the images takes only about 15 seconds to take. The full mammogram appointment takes about 15 minutes.

Where can I get a mammogram near me?
I advise looking for an American College of Radiology (ACR) accredited center, ideally a Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center. This tool is helpful for finding centers that seek the highest levels of clinical and technological achievement, close to where you live.

If you live in Greenwich CT, Stamford CT, Darien CT, Wilton CT, or Norwalk CT, or any of the bordering towns, Norwalk Radiology Consultants, which is a Castle Connolly Center of Excellence, will be glad to see you.
https://www.acr.org/accreditation/accredited-facility-search