All women over the age of 40 should have a screening mammogram every 1 -2 years for early detection of breast cancer.

Women younger than 40 who have a family history of breast cancer should talk to their primary care doctor about regular mammograms.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a series of X ray pictures that are taken over the breasts.
These X-ray images can detect lumps that are too small to be felt. They can also show small deposits of calcium that may be a sign of cancer.

photo credit: www.cancer.org

3D mammogram: 

3D mammograms are new to the healthcare industry and are also called digital breast tomosynthesis .

A 3D mammogram still takes X-ray images; the difference is that the X-ray arm moves around the breast and snaps multiple images in just seconds.

3D mammograms are better at early detection of breast cancer and can reduce the risk of a false finding.

Photo credit: www.everydayhealth.com

If anything is found on your mammogram, further testing will be done to see if the findings are cancerous.

References:
Mammogram fact sheet (2014, March). In National cancer institute. Retrieved
September 6, 2015, from http://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/mammograms-
fact-sheet

Mammogram (2015). In National breast cancer awareness foundation, inc. Retrieved
September 1, 2015, from www.nationalbreastcancer.org

Test and procedures: Mammograms (2013, August). In Mayo clinic. Retrieved
September 10, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-
procedures/mammogram/basics/definition/