My Mammogram Is Abnormal. What Now?

If you're a woman older than 40, you probably know that regular mammograms are recommended for some women between ages 40 and 50 and for all women after age 50. Hearing that your mammogram result is normal is reassuring. But what if it's not normal?

“Abnormal” Doesn't Have to Mean “Cancer”

Mammograms use a special type of x-ray that can detect signs of early breast cancer before you or your clinician (doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physician assistant) can feel a lump. When found early, most breast cancers are more easily treated and less likely to spread or recur.

Your clinician should perform a breast exam before ordering a mammogram. If anything unusual is seen or felt in your breasts, the mammographer can be alerted to pay c…