Cancer Center > Cancer Screenings > Mammography

Mammography

Mammograms can detect breast cancer when it is still very small, sometimes two years before you or your doctor can feel it.

A mammogram is an exam in which a low dose of radiation (X-ray) is passed through a compressed breast. Compression of the breast tissue is necessary to ensure the highest-quality image. Compression is not dangerous to your breast tissue, and any mild discomfort you experience should be temporary.

Two types of mammograms are used to detect breast cancers.

Age
Screening		20-39		40-49		50-75		76+
Breast self-exam		Monthly		Monthly		Monthly		Monthly
Clinical breast exam by a doctor		Every three years		Yearly		Yearly		Yearly
Mammogram		—		Yearly, depending on your health history or preference		Yearly		Determined by patient and doctor preference

Mammograms are available at Park Nicollet Jane Brattain Breast Center by calling 952-993-3700 at St. Louis Park, Minn., or 952-993-8216 at Wayzata, Minn. Mammograms also are available at several Park Nicollet Clinic locations.