Mammography is a special, low-dose, x-ray procedure designed to produce images of the breast.

Once a woman reaches 35 years of age, her susceptibility to breast cancer begins to increase. A "baseline" mammogram is recommended by the American Cancer Society that women have annual mammograms after age 40. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, or if prior mammograms have been inconclusive, more frequent screenings are strongly recommended. Beyond these basic guidelines, mammography is essential if you display any of these symptoms: lumps in the breast or armpit; discharge from the nipple; thickening in the breast; puckering or dimpling of the breast; flaky or abnormal skin on the breast.