• Winston-Salem Health Care 

A mammogram is an X-ray test that produces an image of the inner breast tissue on film. This technique, called mammography, is used to visualize normal and abnormal structures within the breasts. Mammography, therefore, can help in identifying cysts, calcifications and tumors within the breast. It is currently the most effective way to detect early breast cancer. Physical examinations typically only find breast cancers when they are much larger than those detected by mammography. While mammography can discover a small cancer in a curable stage it is not foolproof. Ten-fifteen percent of breast cancers are not identified by mammography; these cancers are typically found by physical examination. It is essential for a woman to perform monthly Breast Self Examination (BSE) and have a breast examination by her doctor in addition to the mammogram in order to most effectively screen for breast cancer.