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Radiation in Mammography
RadTown USA Topics
Personal Exposure:- Airport Security Scanning
- Cosmic Radiation During Flights
- CT Scans
- Dental X-ray
- Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine
- Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Radiation from Power Lines
- Internal Radiotherapy: Brachytherapy
- Lasers
- Mammography
- Medical X-Rays
- Microwave Ovens
- Radioactive Materials in Antiques
- Radiation in Tobacco
- Radiation Therapy - External Beam
- Radon in Homes and Buildings
- Sun Exposure
- UV Tanning Equipment
- Wireless Technology
- more topics...
This page describes how x-rays are used during a mammography.
On this page:
Overview
A high-quality mammogram is an effective tool for early detection of breast cancer. Mammography machines produce x-rays, which pass through the soft parts of bodies and capture a two-dimensional image of the dense parts, including tumors and cysts.
Like microwaves, radio waves, and visible light, the x-rays produced by a mammography machine are a form of electromagnetic radiation. Unlike microwaves, radio waves, and visible light, x-rays are ionizing radiation, which is capable of removing electrons from atoms and damaging living cells and the DNA of those cells. However, since mammography machines only produce radiation during operation and the amount of radiation used is small, resulting medical problems are unlikely.
Who is protecting you
The States
State radiation programs, in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), manage the inspection of mammography equipment and facilities.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Congress enacted the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) in 1992 to ensure that all women have access to the high-quality mammogram necessary to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. As a result of MQSA, FDA developed and implemented mammography quality standards regulations. In addition, MQSA mandates that facilities ask about breast implants prior to performing mammogram, deliver the mammogram results directly to the patients, transfer mammograms to other facilities upon request, and limit discussions with patients to any concerns a patient may have about the procedure. Technicians may only discuss the procedure with patients; only a certified radiologist may interpret the results.)
FDA regulates mammography facilities, equipment and personnel. All mammography facilities are required to be certified by the American College of Radiology; have qualified personnel with the necessary credentials; and adhere to quality control measures, patient dose maximums, and image quality standards.
What you can do to protect yourself
Typically, people's exposure to x-rays is almost entirely from dental and medical x-rays, including a mammogram. The best way to protect yourself from excessive exposure to x-rays is to make sure the technician performing the procedure has the proper qualifications and receive assurance the x-ray machine has been inspected recently and is properly calibrated. You can also talk with your healthcare providers about when to schedule x-rays, how often you should have x-rays, and whether other procedures can provide equivalent information.
Resources
Ionizing Radiation and Breast Cancer Risk  April 5, 2012. Cornell University, Sprecher Institute for Comparative Cancer Research This page uses a question and answer format to address the myths and realities of radiation exposure and its relationship to breast cancer. |
| Mammography April 5, 2012. American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America This page answers frequently asked questions about mammograms. |
| Mammography Quality Standards Act and Program April 5, 2012. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Radiation-Emitting Products The page provides links and information regarding the Mammography Quality Standards Act and Program. |
| Mammography April 5, 2012. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, For Consumers This site answers frequently asked questions for consumers regarding mammograms. |
| State of Oregon Mammography Program April 5, 2012. Oregon State Department of Human Services, Radiation Protection Services This page provides information on federal and Oregon state guidance regarding inspections of mammography equipment. |