Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death from cancer among women.

Mammogram will able to detect the breast cancer nearly one to three years before feeling lump in breast

A mammogram can be used either for screening or for diagnostic purposes. How often you should have a mammogram depends on your age and your risk of breast cancer.

Mammography can be used either for screening or for diagnostic purposes in evaluating a breast lump

• Screening mammography: Screening mammography is used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms or observable breast abnormalities. The goal is to detect cancer before any clinical signs are noticeable. This usually requires at least two mammograms from different angles of each breast.
• Diagnostic mammography: Diagnostic mammography is used to investigate suspicious breast changes, such as a breast lump, breast pain, an unusual skin appearance, nipple thickening or nipple discharge. It's also used to evaluate abnormal findings on a screening mammogram. Additional images can be made from other angles or focus on areas of concern at higher magnification.

Mammography produces mammograms — black-and-white images of your breast tissue on X-ray film. A radiologist interprets the images and sends a written report of the findings to your doctor.

The radiologist looks for evidence of cancer or noncancerous (benign) conditions that may require further testing, follow-up or treatment.

Possible findings include

• Calcium deposits (calcifications) in ducts and other tissues.
• Masses or lumps.
• Distorted tissues.
• Dense areas appearing in only one breast.
• Dense areas that have appeared since your last mammogram.

How to prepare for the mammogram

Schedule the test for a time when your breasts are least likely to be tender, usually during the week after your menstrual period. Your breasts are most likely to be tender the week before and the week during your period.

Don't apply deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes under your arms or on your breasts. Metallic particles in powders and deodorants could be visible on your mammogram and cause confusion.