Twenty minutes that can catch it early.
A screening mammogram finds breast cancer before you or your doctor could ever feel a lump, when it's most treatable. If you got a reminder from us, our records show you're due. Here's why it matters, what to expect, and how we make it easy.
Why a screening mammogram matters
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, and about 1 in 8 will be diagnosed in her lifetime. When it's found early, while it's still confined to the breast, the five-year survival rate is about 99%. A mammogram can see changes years before they'd ever show up as a lump, which is why we'd rather you have one on schedule than wait for a symptom.
Who should be screened, and how often
Our practice recommends a screening mammogram every one to two years starting at 40 for women at average risk. Here's how we decide which end of that range fits you.
Ages 40 to 74
A screening mammogram every one to two years. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2024) recommends every two years for this whole age range, and lowered its starting age from 50 to 40 that year because breast cancer is being found more often in women in their 40s.
Every year, or every two?
Experts disagree here, and we'd rather tell you than pretend otherwise. The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend yearly screening from 40, which can catch some fast-growing cancers sooner; screening every two years means fewer callbacks. We choose with you, based on your risk and preferences.
75 and older
There's no one-size answer. The Task Force found too little evidence to say whether screening helps after 75, so we decide together, weighing your overall health, life expectancy, and how you feel about continuing.
If you may be at higher risk
Some women benefit from starting earlier or adding other imaging. The American College of Radiology recommends every woman have a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25, and we're happy to do yours at any visit. Let us know if any of these apply to you:
- Family history: a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer, especially before 50, or relatives with ovarian, pancreatic or male breast cancer
- A known genetic mutation: BRCA1, BRCA2 or another inherited change, in you or a close relative
- Chest radiation: radiation therapy to the chest between ages 10 and 30, for example for Hodgkin lymphoma
- Dense breast tissue on a previous mammogram, or a past biopsy showing atypical cells
Depending on your history, that might mean starting screening before 40, adding a yearly breast MRI or an ultrasound, or meeting with a genetic counselor. We'll go through it at your visit and set up the plan that fits.
Dense breasts, explained
Breasts are made of fatty tissue and denser glandular and fibrous tissue. "Dense" simply means you have more of the second kind. It's common: about half of women 40 and older have dense breasts, and density often decreases after menopause. Since September 2024, the FDA requires every mammogram report to tell you whether your breasts are dense.
Density matters for two reasons: dense tissue can hide a small cancer on a mammogram, and it slightly raises breast cancer risk. It isn't a disease and doesn't mean anything is wrong. For some women, adding a breast MRI or ultrasound is worth discussing. The Task Force says there isn't yet enough evidence to recommend extra imaging for every woman with dense breasts, while the American College of Radiology suggests MRI for those who want more screening. We'll look at your density together with the rest of your risk and decide what makes sense.
Due for a mammogram? We'll get it ordered.
Call (908) 450-7002 or book online. The conversation and the order can happen by video; the mammogram itself is done at an imaging center.
What to expect, start to finish
A lot of women put off a mammogram because they aren't sure what it involves. Here's the whole thing, plainly.
Before You Go
On the day, skip deodorant, antiperspirant, powder and lotion on your chest and underarms; tiny particles in them can show up on the image. Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to remove your top. If your breasts get tender before your period, book for about a week after it.
Bring Your History
Tell the imaging center where and when you had any earlier mammograms so the radiologist can compare. Comparing with past images is one of the best ways to avoid an unnecessary callback. Mention breast implants, a recent biopsy, or any new change you've noticed.
The Scan Itself
A technologist positions each breast between two plates and presses for a few seconds per image, usually two views per side. Expect firm pressure rather than pain. The whole appointment takes about 20 minutes.
2D or 3D
Standard (2D) mammography and 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) are both effective. 3D takes a series of thin images through the breast, which can mean fewer callbacks and finds slightly more cancers, especially in dense breasts. Many centers now use 3D routinely; check that your plan covers it.
About radiation: a screening mammogram uses a very low dose, about 0.4 mSv, roughly the natural background radiation everyone absorbs in seven weeks of daily life. A 3D exam adds a little more and still stays well within FDA limits.
Results, callbacks, and what happens next
Most mammograms are normal. When one isn't, it rarely means cancer.
If You're Called Back
About 1 in 10 women are asked back for more images, and fewer than 1 in 10 of those turn out to have cancer. Usually it's overlapping tissue or a harmless cyst. The next step is extra mammogram views or an ultrasound, and only occasionally a small needle biopsy.
Screening vs. Diagnostic
A screening mammogram is for people with no symptoms. If you notice a new lump, nipple discharge, skin dimpling or puckering, redness, or a nipple that turns inward, don't wait for your next screening: call us. That needs a diagnostic mammogram and often an ultrasound instead.
How We Follow Up
The imaging center sends your results to us. Normal results reach you through the patient portal. Anything abnormal gets a phone call from our team with a clear plan, and we arrange the next imaging or a breast specialist referral.
Covered by most plans
Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans cover screening mammograms starting at 40 at no cost to you. Medicare covers a screening mammogram once every 12 months for women 40 and older, and you pay nothing when the provider accepts Medicare assignment.
A diagnostic mammogram, or follow-up imaging after a callback, is billed differently and may come with a copay, coinsurance or deductible. Grandfathered plans can also differ. We accept nearly every major plan, and our insurance and billing page lists them.
How PremierMD makes it easy
We place the order or referral to an imaging center convenient to you, receive the results, and call you about anything abnormal with a plan. Your screening dates live in your chart, so our primary care team can remind you when you're due again.
The conversation, the order and the results review can all happen in a telemedicine visit; the mammogram itself is done at the imaging center. It also fits naturally into an annual well-woman exam, which includes a clinical breast exam.
Related preventive care
Preventive Care & Annual Physicals
Your yearly visit is where we review every screening you're due for, from blood pressure to cancer screening.
Learn moreWell-Woman Exams
An unhurried annual exam with a clinical breast exam, Pap smear when due, and time for real questions.
Learn moreColorectal Cancer Screening
Starts at 45 for everyone at average risk, with at-home options like Cologuard as well as colonoscopy.
Learn moreFamily Medicine
One practice for your whole family's care, so screening results feed into a plan with providers who know your history.
Learn moreWomen's Health
Screening schedules by decade, menopause care, and integrative options in one place.
Learn moreFrom Our Blog: What to Expect at Your Annual Physical
A full walkthrough of the yearly visit, including which screenings come up at which age.
Read the guideMammogram questions
When should I start getting mammograms, and how often?
For women at average risk, we recommend a screening mammogram every one to two years starting at 40. Between 40 and 74 we decide the interval together based on your risk and your preferences. After 75 the decision is individual: it depends on your overall health and what you want from screening. If you're at higher risk, screening may start earlier and include a breast MRI.
Why do some guidelines say every year and others every two years?
Because experts weigh the same evidence differently. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2024) recommends a mammogram every two years from 40 to 74, which finds most of the benefit with fewer callbacks. The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend every year from 40, which finds some cancers sooner, especially fast-growing ones in younger women. Both are reasonable. Your family history, breast density and comfort with callbacks help us pick the one that fits you.
Do mammograms hurt?
Most people describe firm pressure rather than pain, and it lasts only a few seconds per image. Scheduling about a week after your period, when breasts are least tender, helps. Tell the technologist if it's uncomfortable; they can often adjust the position.
How much radiation is in a mammogram?
Very little. A standard screening mammogram delivers about 0.4 mSv, roughly what you'd absorb from natural background radiation over about seven weeks of everyday life. A 3D mammogram adds a small amount and stays well within FDA safety limits. For women 40 and over, the benefit of finding cancer early far outweighs this risk.
I got called back after my mammogram. Should I worry?
A callback is common and usually nothing. About 1 in 10 women are asked back for more images, and fewer than 1 in 10 of those turn out to have cancer. Most callbacks are overlapping tissue, a cyst, or a first mammogram with no earlier images to compare against. The next step is usually extra mammogram views or an ultrasound, and we'll explain the result and what comes next.
I have dense breasts. Do I need more than a mammogram?
Not necessarily. Dense breasts are common, affecting about half of women 40 and older, and they're a normal finding, not a disease. Dense tissue can hide some cancers and slightly raises risk, so some women add a breast MRI or ultrasound. The Task Force says the evidence isn't yet strong enough to recommend extra imaging for everyone, while the American College of Radiology suggests MRI for women with dense breasts who want more screening. We'll weigh your overall risk and decide together.
Is my mammogram covered by insurance?
Usually, yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, most plans cover screening mammograms from 40 at no cost to you. Medicare covers a screening mammogram once every 12 months for women 40 and older, with nothing owed when the provider accepts assignment. A diagnostic mammogram, done to check a symptom or a callback, may come with a copay, coinsurance or deductible. Grandfathered plans can differ, so check with your insurer if you're unsure.
Can I get my mammogram ordered through a telemedicine visit?
Yes. The conversation about your risk, the order and the results review can all happen by video. The mammogram itself is done at an imaging center, and we'll help you choose one that's convenient.
Contact PremierMD Today
We'll reach out within one business day to answer your questions and help you schedule an appointment.