Are mammograms necessary? #mammogram #breastcancer

Having a mammogram is your choice. It is not necessary, BUT it is the only test we have that can pick up breast cancer at an early stage, before it has grown large enough to become a lump you can feel, and before it has started to spread to your lymph nodes.

Mammograms are offered to women from the age of 50-70 in most countries, although guidelines are being recommended to start screening from the age of 40. This only applies to women who don't have a high risk of getting breast cancer from their family history - as you have separate screening guidelines.

You may also have a mammogram if you are seen in a breast cancer clinic with a lump or a new change in your breast, like a dimple or nipple inversion.

I'm Dr Liz O'Riordan, a breast surgeon who's had breast cancer twice, and the author of The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll answer them for you

[ShelleySorenson]

Hope. That is about all it hope is not the same as researched proof of safety and effectiveness.