Mammograms are low-dose x-rays that expose the breasts to a small amount of radiation.* Mammograms have been used to screen for breast cancer since the 1980s. There are three different types of mammograms:
- Film: 2-Dimensional, known as “analog” has been nearly eliminated in the U.S.A., but is still in use in Europe.
- Digital, 2-Dimensional: known as “Full Field Digital Mammogram” (FFDM). Nearly all facilities in the United States have digital mammography.
- Digital, 3D/tomosynthesis: also referred to as “3-Dimensional” or “tomo.” It is a newer technology that is used in over half of the facilities in the United States.
*The radiation exposure from a mammogram is small and is too low to cause any harm to the breasts.
To learn more about mammograms, including how they work, benefits and things to consider, click here.
Learn More:
- 5 Facts Every Woman Should Know
- Video Series: Let’s Talk About Dense Breasts
- Patient Risk Checklist (print)
- Patient Questions and Answers