Questions and Answers What is breast cancer? What causes breast cancer and how likely am I to develop breast cancer? What is the survival rate for breast cancer? How is breast cancer treated? How is breast cancer detected? What is a mammogram? Is mammogram dangerous? How is mammography performed? How can I find a mammography center in my area? How much does a mammogram cost? If I have breast implants do I still need to have a mammogram? Should I be concerned if my doctor tells me I need to have a breast biopsy? How is a breast biopsy performed? Is a breast biopsy dangerous? How will I know the results of my breast biopsy?

You can call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. The American Cancer Society maintains a geographic list of mammography facilities.

The FDA also maintains a geographic listing of certified mammography facilities. Click here to locate a certified mammography facility in your area.

The average cost of a mammogram is approximately $100. Most health insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, cover mammogram costs or a percentage of them. In addition, low cost mammograms are available in most communities. Your local health department can give you information about obtaining a low cost mammogram, or you can contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 for information about facilities in your area.

The guidelines for screening mammography of women with implants are the same as for women without them. Breast implants create a unique imaging situation, because some breast tissue will be covered by the implant and cannot be seen on x-rays. To compensate for this, the number of films taken for each examination for a woman with implants is greater and allows as much breast tissue as possible to be imaged.

This website provides general information only. A physician should be contacted if you need any medical advice or if medical decisions need to be made.