This October 19, World Day Against Breast Cancer, we wanted to bring you relevant information regarding the compatibility between having a mammogram during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.
What is a mammogram?
Mammography is a breast cancer screening test that many women find to be the best way to detect cancer in its early stages, when it is easier to treat and before the tumor is large enough to be felt or cause symptoms. In fact, mammography has been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality by 25 to 30%, allowing tumors to be detected two years earlier than palpation*.
Mammography and breastfeeding
Mammograms, like any other X-ray, are not contraindicated during breastfeeding, because the radiation does not remain in the breast and is not passed on to the baby through the milk. Even if the mammogram is requested with a contrast method (either iodine or not), it can be performed without problems, as it does not affect breastfeeding or milk.
Mammography and pregnancy
Most breast cancer diagnoses that occur during or shortly after pregnancy first appear as a painless lump in the breast.
The American Cancer Society says that having a mammogram during pregnancy is safe because the test requires very little radiation. Mammograms during pregnancy are generally only performed on women who have a lump in their breasts, not on women who have no symptoms during pregnancy.
If you have questions, concerns, or have felt a lump, don't wait until you give birth or stop breastfeeding to get checked.
