Mammograms: Questions for the doctor

What do I ask the doctor?

It helps to have questions for the doctor written down ahead of time. Print this list of questions, and take it to your next appointment. You may want to ask a family member or close friend to come with you to take notes.

• Do I have risk factors for breast cancer?
• I am under age 50:
  • Based on my risk factors, what are my chances of getting breast cancer?
  • Do you recommend that I start getting regular mammograms? If so, how often?
  • What are the pros and cons of getting mammograms before age 50?

• I am between ages 50 and 74:
  • Based on my risk factors, what are my chances of getting breast cancer?
  • How often do I need to get mammograms?
  • What are the pros and cons of getting a mammogram every 2 years instead of every year?

• What happens during a mammogram?
• If I get a mammogram, how long will it take to get the results?
• If I don’t hear back from you about the results of my mammogram, should I assume everything is okay?