Medical experts recommend getting your first mammogram at age 40 if you are at average risk for breast cancer. If you are at a higher risk for cancer, you will likely need to get screened earlier. Going to your first mammogram can cause some anxiety, but it’s important for your health. You may have a lot of questions about the process. For example, you may wonder, is a callback normal after a mammogram? Below you will find more information about mammogram screenings so you can feel prepared for your first appointment.

Is a Callback Normal After a Mammogram?

You will likely get a call back after your mammogram screening as it is fairly common. One of the important things to remember about a call back is that it does not always indicate that you have cancer or that there was an issue with your mammogram. Less than one in ten women who get called back after a mammogram actually have cancer. In fact, the call back often indicates the need for additional testing. Additional testing may be necessary to look closer at an area of concern, including an ultrasound.

Common Reasons for a Call Back

It’s critical to double-check with your provider about their protocol after a mammogram screening. Each medical office has a different policy so it’s helpful to know their protocol so you don’t worry unnecessarily. Below are some of the common reasons you will get a call back after a mammogram (if your medical provider doesn’t give each patient a callback).

• If it was your first mammogram
• When there are no previous mammograms to compare your current results to
• If you need additional testing
• If you haven’t gone through menopause yet
• And if you specifically requested a call back (and your medical provider agreed)

Additional Testing

If you need additional testing, your medical provider will let you know the type of testing and how soon you need to schedule it. It’s important to follow your medical provider’s instructions regarding additional testing. Again, this does not mean that you have cancer or that anything is wrong. It’s often necessary to rule out any issues and get a better understanding of what is happening inside your body. Avoid pushing these tests off due to the importance of early intervention in the case that there is an issue.

Common Reasons for Additional Testing

Keeping things in perspective is important when it comes to women’s health. Due to the beneficial advancements in the field of women’s health, additional testing can make a huge difference in your long-term health outcomes. Below you will find some of the common reasons you may need to get additional testing after your mammogram screening.

• The images were unclear or didn’t show some of your breast tissue
• There are suspicious masses that the radiologist would like further examined
• An area of your breast looks different from the rest
• You have dense breast tissue
• You are at a higher risk for breast cancer and the mammogram was not sufficient (as determined by the radiologist or your medical provider)

Women’s Health Imaging

If you need to schedule a mammogram, consider in office screening mammography at BreastGyn Imagers. They are skilled in working with women on their women’s health screenings to ensure your short- and long-term health stays in good shape. After your mammogram, it’s important to get a gynecological interpretation in Texas. Having an experienced professional examine your results can give you the peace of mind you need. The interpretation can help provide you with a better understanding of your health, in addition to identifying any abnormalities that may require additional testing. Contact the team at BreastGyn Imagers today for an appointment!