A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast to check for breast cancer. Mammograms can help find breast cancer early. You have a better chance of surviving breast cancer if it’s found and treated early.

• If you are age 40 or older, talk with your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them.
• Women ages 50 to 74 need a mammogram every 2 years. You may choose to start getting mammograms earlier or to get them more often. Together, you and your doctor can decide what’s best for you.

Like all medical tests, mammograms have pros and cons. These pros and cons change with your age and your risk of breast cancer. Use the questions below to start a conversation with your doctor about mammograms. Mammograms for women over age 40 are covered under the new Affordable Care Act. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get a mammogram at no cost to you. Talk to your insurance provider.

What do I ask the doctor?

It helps to have questions for the doctor written down ahead of time. Print this list of questions, and take it to your next appointment. You may want to ask a family member or close friend to come with you to take notes.

1. Do I have risk factors for breast cancer?
   • I am under age 50:
     • Based on my risk factors, what are my chances of having breast cancer?
     • Do you recommend that I start getting regular mammograms? If so, how often?
     • What are the pros and cons of getting mammograms before age 50?
   • I am between ages 50 and 74:
     • Based on my risk factors, what are my chances of having breast cancer?
     • How often do I need to get mammograms?
     • What are the pros and cons of getting a mammogram every 2 years instead of every year?

2. If I get a mammogram, how long will it take to get the results?

3. If I don’t hear back from you about the results of my mammogram, should I assume everything is okay?