Breast screening – mammogram
Mammografi - engelskaYou can have breast examinations with a mammogram regularly once you reach a certain age. This is to check if you have the disease breast cancer.
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This type of examination is called a screening examination. This means that you have an examination even though you feel healthy.
You decide for yourself whether you want to have the examination, but it is best to do so. It is free of charge.
You will receive a letter when you are due to have an examination. It will tell you the time and place for the examination.
You can change your appointment time and place if you need to. The letter will tell you how to do this.
Why am I being invited to have a mammogram?
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. The risk of getting the disease increases with age.
There is a greater chance of recovery if breast cancer is detected early. Mammograms can detect breast cancer before you even notice that you are sick.
You will receive regular invitations to have a mammogram if all of the following apply:
- You are a woman.
- You are between 40 and 74 years old.
- You are registered in the Swedish population register.
What happens during the examination
When you arrive at the clinic, you will have to wait for your turn. Your name will be called out when it is your turn.
The examination will be carried out at a mammogram clinic.
You will go into a room together with the person who will carry out the examination. There will be a mammography machine in the room. It takes X-rays of the breasts.
What happens during the examination:
- You will answer some questions. For example, if you have noticed anything different about your breasts, or if you are taking birth control pills or any other hormone medications.
- You will be asked to undress above the waist.
- You will be asked to sit or stand close to the mammography machine.
- You will be asked to place one of your breasts on a flat plastic plate.
- Another flat plate will press down on your breast.
- You will need to hold your arm in a specific position.
The examiner will help you and make sure everything is placed correctly, and then take two or three images.
You will then be asked to do the same with the other breast.
It takes just a few seconds to take the images. The entire visit will take about 30 minutes.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
You can have a mammogram even though you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, you should breastfeed or express milk directly before the examination. This will make the examination easier.
What does a mammogram feel like?
The breasts need to be squeezed together in order to get good images. This may feel uncomfortable for a short time. Some people find it painful. Most people feel normal again after the examination.
When will I get my results?
You will get your results after a few weeks. You will receive a letter. The letter will be sent to your registered living address. You will be asked to come to the clinic for another examination if the images show any changes to your breasts.
Contact the clinic if you have any questions about your results. The letter will tell you how to do this.
If you discover something in your breasts yourself
Contact a healthcare centre (vårdcentral) if you have noticed anything different about your breasts. For example, if you feel something hard or your breasts look different and it does not resolve.
You may need to have a mammogram as well as other examinations.
You can always call the telephone number 1177 if you have any questions or need advice over the phone. The people who answer are nurses who speak Swedish and English. Sometimes you can get help in other languages. It costs nothing to call 1177.
Call +46 771 11 77 00 if you are calling from a phone with a foreign number.