A mammogram is a safe, noninvasive x-ray of your breast tissue that creates images that are stored on a computer. A routine mammogram consists of a minimum of two views of each breast — one from the top and one from the side. Board-certified breast radiologists use these images to identify changes in breast tissue or detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear and when treatment is most effective.
At UPMC, we use the most up-to-date mammography technology, including 3D tomosynthesis, which takes multiple images from different angles, to identify breast abnormalities.
A mammogram is a safe, noninvasive x-ray of your breast tissue that creates images that are stored on a computer. A routine mammogram consists of a minimum of two views of each breast — one from the top and one from the side. Board-certified breast radiologists use these images to identify changes in breast tissue or detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear and when treatment is most effective.
2D mammography only takes one top-to-bottom picture and one side-to-side picture of your breast. 3D mammography — also called tomosynthesis — takes multiple pictures from different angles and uses a computer to combine them, giving doctors a view of each layer of breast tissue. At UPMC, nearly all routine mammograms are performed using 3D mammography technology.
3D mammograms provide several benefits, including:
There are two types of mammograms:
A screening mammogram is performed if you have no symptoms of breast disease. Women at average risk for breast cancer should begin annual screening mammography at age 40 and continue as long as they are in good health. Women at high risk for breast cancer should talk to their doctor about starting to get screening breast MRI as early as age 25 and screening mammograms as early as age 30.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend starting to get screening mammograms 10 years before the age at which your youngest relative was diagnosed with breast cancer, but not before age 30. For example, if your mother was diagnosed at age 45, your doctor may recommend that you start to have screening mammograms at age 35.
Even if you have had breast cancer or are at high risk, your routine mammogram should be performed as a screening mammogram as long as you are not having breast cancer symptoms. A screening mammogram appointment typically takes less than 30 minutes.
Your screening mammogram results will be reviewed along with any prior breast imaging results. You will typically receive your breast cancer screening results within a week, but it may take up to 30 days after your appointment to receive your results.
A diagnostic mammogram is performed if you have symptoms of breast disease, such as a lump, nipple discharge, or other breast symptoms — or if you need follow-up care for an abnormality that was found on prior breast imaging or a screening mammogram.
After your diagnostic mammogram is complete, your breast radiologist will review your images while you wait in the breast imaging center and provide you with your results before you leave.
If needed, your breast imaging team will take additional mammography images or perform a targeted ultrasound exam during your appointment. As a result, diagnostic mammogram appointments may take up to two hours.
You may need a mammogram if:
Mammography is safe for most women. If you have symptoms of breast disease, your doctor may recommend a diagnostic mammogram.
You may be a candidate for screening mammography if:
Screening mammograms are recommended for all women starting at age 40, even if no symptoms are present. Those with a family history of breast cancer, dense breasts, or breast implants may need earlier or more frequent screening.
Mammography is a safe, effective screening and diagnostic tool for most women. However, because mammography uses x-ray imaging technology, it involves exposure to a very small amount of radiation.
The radiation dose is highly regulated and considered to be safe. The amount of exposure during a mammogram is the same as the amount of radiation you would be naturally exposed to in the environment on a daily basis over several weeks. There is no reliable data to suggest that the radiation dose used during annual mammography is harmful.
If you have dense breasts, some cancers can be more difficult to see due to the density of your breast tissue. You should ask your doctor about whether you have dense breast tissue and need supplemental screening.
If you are pregnant and have symptoms of breast cancer, your doctor will typically order a breast ultrasound. Breast ultrasound is safe during pregnancy because it uses sound waves instead of radiation to create images of breast tissue.
If your ultrasound shows suspicious findings or if the clinical findings are concerning and you are over age 30, your doctor may recommend a mammogram.
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you should have a mammogram even if you are pregnant. There is a very small amount of scatter radiation exposure to the fetus, which has not been shown to cause harm. Radiation exposure can be further minimized by wearing a lead apron over your abdomen during your mammogram.
If you are over age 40 and are due for a screening mammogram while pregnant, you may choose to have your mammogram during pregnancy or postpone it until a few months after you stop breastfeeding.
Before making an appointment for a diagnostic mammogram, you should find out if your health insurance plan requires a referral or preapproval. If so, your doctor will need to send an insurance referral or get preapproval.
Except for a recall after screening, you will need a prescription from your physician and you may owe a copayment.
Diagnostic mammogram appointments are made by speaking with a scheduler.
Your health plan may make you wait one year and a day between screening mammograms. There is no copayment for routine screening mammograms after age 40.
You can schedule a screening mammogram appointment through the UPMC patient portal or by calling the UPMC Imaging Center location closest to you.
After you schedule your mammogram appointment and before you have your test, you should:
Screening mammograms take less than 30 minutes. Diagnostic mammograms may take up to two hours.
When you arrive at the imaging center, your technologist will take you to a changing area and ask you to remove your shirt, bra, and jewelry. Then, your technologist will give you a wrap or gown to wear.
If you're pregnant or think you might be, tell your imaging technologist before your mammogram starts. Your technologist will also ask you to describe any current or previous breast problems.
During your mammogram, your imaging technologist will:
You can return to your normal activities immediately following your mammogram. Any scar markers or other markers placed on your breast can be thrown away.
You should not experience any complications after your mammogram.
Screening mammogram results will be mailed to you and available in your patient portal, usually within 7-10 days of imaging.
Diagnostic mammogram results will be given to you in written and verbal form the day of your imaging appointment, before you leave the imaging center. The final results will also be available in your patient portal, usually within 1-2 days.
After each mammogram, your results will tell you if you have dense breast tissue and provide information on what that means for you. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
When you choose UPMC for mammography, you will receive:
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-08-28.
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