But breast x-rays, or mammograms, drastically improve a woman's chance of surviving the disease, says Shaparak Kamarei, M.D., USC associate clinical professor of internal medicine.
Breast cancer is asymptomatic for years.
Screening mammograms detect breast changes in women who have no signs of cancer. Diagnostic mammograms evaluate unusual breast changes, such as a lump, pain, nipple thickening or discharge or a change in the breast size or shape. During the mammography, the breast is placed between two flat plastic plates, which are pressed together. Although the pressure from the plates may be uncomfortable, each x-ray takes less than a minute. You should schedule a mammography just after your period, when your breasts less tender.