As every October 19, today is the International Day of the fight against Breast Cancer, and since it is a disease that directly affects us women, we want to share with you VERY important information regarding mammograms during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Are they compatible? In this article we explain it to you.

What is a mammogram?

Mammography is an X-ray photograph of the breast, and is a safe and fairly accurate test. It is probably the most important tool not only for detecting breast cancer but also for diagnosing, evaluating and monitoring people who have had the disease.

Mammograms do not prevent breast cancer, but they can save lives if breast cancer is detected as early as possible.

Early detection of breast cancer reduces the risk of dying from the disease by 25% to 30% or more.

Source: Breastcancer.org

When is it appropriate to have a mammogram?

1. In patients without risk factors, annually from age 40.
2. Those with risk factors such as family history, mutations associated with higher risk in the family or history of thoracic radiation for the treatment of a disease, are advised to consult a specialist to define the age of onset and screening strategy.
3. Anyone who notices any changes or lumps in their breast should seek medical attention and request tests, even if the specialist believes it is benign, to rule out any complications.

Source: Dr. Verónica Mariani, breast surgeon and member of the Breast Cancer Program at Clínica Universidad de los Andes.

Mammography and breastfeeding

It is safe to have a mammogram during breastfeeding, as the breast and milk secretion do not emit any type of signal or radiation after the exam. However, the internal and external structure of the breast undergoes changes during this period to fulfill the function of secreting milk, and this makes the images difficult to interpret and the exam has a lower performance.

During breastfeeding, how can I improve the effectiveness of a mammogram?

The examination should be performed after the breasts have been emptied, in order to improve the quality of the images as much as possible and, thus, the performance.

Mammography and pregnancy

During pregnancy , exposure to ionising radiation is restricted as a precaution, as it could cause damage to the embryo/fetus in gestation and, for this reason, breast screening is suspended during this period. However, if symptoms appear and the patient is faced with a suspicion or diagnosis of cancer during her pregnancy, and the treating team considers that a mammogram is necessary, it can be performed using protective elements for the abdominal area and thus limit fetal exposure to a minimum.

Other breast exams during pregnancy

In the case of breast ultrasound, it does not represent any risk during pregnancy; while breast resonance with contrast is contraindicated during pregnancy.

REMEMBER: If you have questions, concerns or have felt a lump in your breast, don't wait until you stop breastfeeding or until you give birth to get checked. Do it now.