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Evidence-led screening guide

Mammogram

A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to create images of breast tissue. Mammograms are used in routine breast screening and may also form part of diagnostic assessment when someone has breast symptoms.

Read current NHS mammogram appointment guidance (external link, opens in a new tab)Read Our Guide
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Quick guide

Mammogram at a Glance

What it is
A low-dose X-ray examination of the breasts.
Why it is used
To look for signs of breast cancer, including changes too small to see or feel.
What happens
Each breast is positioned and briefly compressed between two plates while images are taken.
How it may feel
Compression is often uncomfortable and can be painful for some people, but it is brief.
What recall means
The screening team needs more information. It does not mean that breast cancer has been diagnosed.
What a normal result does not guarantee
Mammograms do not find every cancer. Contact your GP about a new or unusual breast change.

Last reviewed:

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2. What Is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray examination that creates detailed images of breast tissue using a low dose of radiation. A trained mammographer takes the images, which are checked for changes that may need further assessment.

A mammogram is a test, not a diagnosis. The images may look normal, may need to be repeated for technical reasons, or may show an area that needs more tests.

3. Why Mammograms Are Used

In routine NHS breast screening, mammograms are used to look for signs of breast cancer in eligible people who do not have symptoms. They can identify some cancers before they can be seen or felt.

Mammography may also be used in a diagnostic pathway when someone has a lump or another breast change. Routine screening and symptomatic assessment have different purposes and pathways.

Read about eligibility and invitations in the NHS Breast Screening guide.

4. What Happens During the Appointment?

  1. You will be given privacy to undress from the waist up.
  2. The mammographer will explain the examination and position one breast at a time on the X-ray machine.
  3. The breast is compressed between two plates. This keeps it still, spreads the tissue and helps produce a clear image using a low radiation dose.
  4. Images are usually taken from more than one angle, then the process is repeated for the other breast.
  5. The mammographer checks that the images are technically suitable before you leave.

Wear a top that is easy to remove. Current NHS guidance says not to use deodorant, antiperspirant or talcum powder on the day because these may affect the images. Tell the service in advance about mobility needs, previous difficult experiences or breast implants.

5. Does a Mammogram Hurt?

Breast compression is brief, but most people find it uncomfortable and some find it painful. Experiences differ because breast sensitivity, positioning, mobility and previous experiences vary.

Tell the mammographer if you are uncomfortable or anxious. They can explain each step, help with positioning and pause. You are in control and can ask to stop at any time.

6. What the Result May Mean

No Sign of Breast Cancer

No sign of breast cancer was seen on the screening mammograms. If you remain eligible, your result will explain when you should next be invited. Continue to be aware of breast changes between screens.

Another Mammogram Is Needed

Sometimes an image needs to be repeated because it was not clear enough. This is a technical recall and does not mean that cancer has been found.

Further Tests Are Needed

You will be invited to an assessment clinic. Further tests may include a breast examination, additional mammograms, ultrasound or a needle biopsy. Most people recalled for assessment are not diagnosed with breast cancer.

7. Benefits of Mammography

  • It can find some breast cancers before they can be seen or felt.
  • Finding cancer earlier may make treatment more effective and less extensive.
  • The examination is brief and does not require surgery or an instrument to enter the body.
  • Quality-assured screening provides a defined pathway for image reading and follow-up.

8. Limitations and Possible Harms

  • False negative: a mammogram can miss a cancer, so a normal result does not rule out every cancer.
  • False positive: an area may look concerning but further tests show that it is not cancer. Recall and assessment can cause anxiety.
  • Overdiagnosis: screening can find a cancer that would never have caused harm during the person's lifetime, but it is not currently possible to know with certainty which cancers these are.
  • Radiation: mammography uses a low dose of X-rays. The screening programme weighs this small radiation risk against potential benefit.
  • Discomfort: compression can be painful for some people.
  • Implants: implants can obscure breast tissue, so extra views may be needed and mammography can be less effective.

9. Breast Symptoms and When to Contact Your GP

Contact your GP about a new lump, nipple or skin change, unusual discharge, change in breast shape or size, or persistent breast or armpit pain that concerns you. Most breast changes are not cancer, but they should be assessed.

Do not wait for a routine screening invitation, and do not rely on a previous normal mammogram. Symptomatic assessment may include examination and diagnostic imaging tailored to the concern.

Read current NHS breast cancer symptom guidance (external link, opens in a new tab)

10. Common Myths About Mammograms

“Being Recalled Means I Have Breast Cancer.”

No. Recall means more information is needed. Most people recalled for further tests are not diagnosed with breast cancer.

“A Normal Mammogram Rules Out Breast Cancer.”

No. Mammography can miss some cancers. Contact your GP about new or unusual changes.

“Compression Damages the Breast.”

Compression is used briefly to keep the breast still and produce a clear image. It can be painful, but you can ask the mammographer to pause or stop.

“Screening and Symptom Assessment Are the Same.”

No. Screening is for eligible people without symptoms. Symptoms need clinical assessment.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Does a mammogram hurt?
Breast compression is brief, but it can be uncomfortable and is painful for some people. Tell the mammographer how you feel. You remain in control and can ask to pause or stop.
How long does a mammogram take?
Taking each image is brief, but the appointment also includes changing, positioning and checks. Your invitation or screening service can tell you how much time to allow.
What should I wear?
The NHS suggests wearing a top that is easy to remove because you will undress from the waist up. You will be given privacy to change.
Can I use deodorant?
Current NHS guidance says not to use deodorant, antiperspirant or talcum powder on the day because these may affect the mammogram.
What does being recalled mean?
It means the screening team needs more information. You may have more mammograms, a breast examination, an ultrasound or a biopsy. Most people recalled for further tests are not diagnosed with breast cancer.
Can mammograms miss breast cancer?
Yes. No screening test finds every cancer. Continue to be aware of your breasts and contact your GP about a new or unusual change even after a normal mammogram.
What if I have breast implants?
Tell the screening service and mammographer before the examination. Implants can hide some breast tissue, so extra views may be offered. Screening checks breast tissue, not the condition of an implant.
What if I find a breast lump after a normal mammogram?
Contact your GP. A normal screening result does not rule out every cancer and should not delay assessment of a new lump or other breast change.
Is a screening mammogram the same as a mammogram for breast symptoms?
The imaging method may be similar, but the pathways are different. Routine screening is offered to eligible people without symptoms. Symptoms need clinical assessment, which may involve examination and diagnostic imaging.

12. Evidence and References

These current primary sources describe mammography, England's screening pathway, recall, practical preparation, implants, benefits and harms.

13. Official NHS Resources

Use these sources for current appointment instructions and result pathways. Arrangements differ across UK nations.

For wider symptom-awareness information, read the Cancer Symptoms guide.

14. How BloomShield Helps

Practical, accessible information can reduce anxiety and support informed participation and timely follow-up.

ScreenAccess™

identifies and helps address practical, social and service barriers to screening access.

ScreenConnect™

supports navigation, coordination and continuity across screening and care pathways.

Work with BloomShield to improve screening access