A mammogram is the only reliable way of detecting breast cancer in its earliest stage of development before a lump can be felt. 

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer that affects women. Finding a cancer at an early stage allows more effective treatment options and a very good chance of complete recovery. 

Any woman over 35 who has a breast lump requires a mammogram as the first test to find out what it is, after consultation with her GP or Breast Specialist. 

Regular mammograms are important to detect the subtle changes of early breast cancer. Women aged between 45 and 69 years can get a free mammogram every 2 years through BreastScreen Aotearoa 

Every person is different, and some women may be advised by their family doctor or specialist to start screening earlier. Some older women will be advised to continue yearly screening after the age of 50. Women with a close family history of breast cancer, or who have already had breast cancer on one side are advised to continue yearly screening. Women who have had specific types of benign (non-cancerous) lumps are also advised to have yearly screening mammograms. 

Don’t wear any deodorant, perfume, lotion or talcum powder on the day of your appointment because these substances may show up as shadows on your mammogram. Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to undress from the waist up. Bring any previous mammograms with you to your appointment so they can be compared with the diagnostic mammogram. 

If you have menstrual or monthly periods it is best to have your diagnostic mammogram one week after the start of your period. The breasts will not be as tender at this time, and you will not feel as much discomfort or pain for the few seconds when the breasts are pressed between two plates to take the x-ray images. 

You are asked to undress from the waist up. When you are comfortable, our trained staff will position one of your breasts between two plastic plates. Compression of the breast for a few seconds is necessary to improve image quality. It also uses less x-ray radiation because of the reduced thickness of the breast in this position. 

This slight pressure placed on your breast during the procedure is not at all dangerous. It cannot damage your breast and it does not cause breast cancer or make it worse.  

A standard mammogram consists of two views of each breast. Occasionally, extra views are needed to show an area of breast tissue more clearly. This does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. Do not be alarmed if we take these additional views. 

In 2013 we upgraded to a full digital equipment providing higher quality images with lower dose. 

The mammography and the compression are performed by a specially trained radiographer. While the compression may be uncomfortable and perhaps painful it lasts only seconds. Without compression, the x-rays would be blurry which makes it hard to see any abnormality. Compression also reduces the amount of radiation required for the mammogram.

Standard diagnostic mammography takes between 10-15 minutes. Sometimes extra views are performed which take longer. If you have breast implants, the mammography will take longer (approximately 30 minutes) because it takes more time to make sure clear images are taken.

The x-rays are taken by a radiographer who has received specialist training in the field of mammography. Mammograms are then read and interpreted by a radiologist (a specialist doctor with training in breast imaging), who will provide your referring doctor with a report of the examination.

We are the only private provider for Mammography services in the Waikato region.

Like all x-rays, having a mammogram exposes you to some radiation, but only a small amount. Such risk is far outweighed by the benefit of early detection of breast cancer, significantly reducing the death rate from the disease. 

The risk of developing cancer from a mammogram is no greater than developing cancer from exposure to the natural background radiation accumulated from the normal environment in 1 year. 

If you have breast implants there is an extremely small risk of damage to the implant. 

It is important to note that mammography does not detect all breast cancers, even when the cancer has caused a lump that can be felt. In such a circumstance, a normal mammogram does not mean that the lump can be ignored. In this situation, other diagnostic tests such as breast ultrasound and needle biopsy may be necessary. 

All mammograms are read (interpreted) independently by two separate Specialists, and the results compared. Sometimes even a third opinion is obtained before the final report is sent to your GP or Specialist. The report outlines our findings and recommendations for any further action. 

Follow up with your referring doctor for an explanation of the report.