Here’s what you need to know about the differences between screening and diagnostic mammograms:
Screening mammograms:
- Done yearly and recommended for women 40 years and older.
- Look for signs of cancer using X-ray images in women who don’t exhibit any signs of cancer.
- Detect cancer early even before women or their doctors feel lumps or notice changes in the breast.
- Take two images of each breast.
- Images aren’t viewed right away in the office.
Diagnostic mammograms:
- Ordered when women or their doctors notice an abnormality.
- Used when screening mammograms don’t produce adequate results to confirm a problem or identify a false reading.
- Used on women who’ve previously had breast cancer.
- Use 3D imaging.
- Images are reviewed right away while patient waits.