Can a breastfeeding mother undergo a mammogram?

Mammograms During Breastfeeding: Safety and Recommendations

Yes, breastfeeding women can safely undergo mammography, and it is recommended to breastfeed or pump immediately before the examination to minimize breast density and optimize the sensitivity of the screening. 1

Benefits and Considerations for Mammography During Lactation

Safety and Efficacy

• Mammography is completely safe during lactation and does not require interruption of breastfeeding 1, 2
• The increased breast density seen in lactating women may reduce mammogram sensitivity, but this can be mitigated by:
  • Breastfeeding or pumping immediately before the examination
  • Using 3D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis/DBT) which helps decrease the masking effect of dense breast tissue 1

Detection Capability

• Studies have shown that mammography can successfully detect breast cancer in lactating women:
  • In one study, 5 out of 9 subclinical cancers in pregnancy-associated breast cancer were detected only with screening mammography in high-risk women 1
  • Another study found that 2 of 22 cases of pregnancy-associated breast cancer were detected on screening mammography 1

Practical Recommendations for Lactating Women

Before the Mammogram

• Breastfeed or pump immediately before the examination to:
  • Reduce breast fullness and discomfort
  • Minimize breast density
  • Optimize sensitivity of the mammogram 1

During the Procedure

• No special precautions are needed during the mammogram
• The procedure is the same as for non-lactating women
• Compression may cause temporary discomfort but does not harm milk production

After the Mammogram

• Resume breastfeeding immediately after the procedure
• No need to "pump and dump" or interrupt breastfeeding 3, 2

Special Considerations

For Women Needing Additional Imaging

• If contrast agents are needed for other breast imaging (such as MRI):
  • Contrast media are excreted into breast milk in such small quantities that there is no concern for nursing babies 3
  • Interruption of breastfeeding is not necessary after contrast-enhanced studies 3, 2

For Women with Breast Symptoms

• Breast ultrasound is typically the first-line imaging for symptomatic lactating women 1
• Mammography serves as an important adjunct if ultrasound findings are suspicious or negative with persistent symptoms 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Unnecessary delay of screening - Some healthcare providers incorrectly advise waiting until after weaning for mammography
2. Misinterpreting normal lactational changes - Lactating breasts typically show increased density, which is normal
3. Failing to breastfeed/pump before the exam - This simple step significantly improves image quality
4. Unnecessary interruption of breastfeeding - There is no medical reason to stop breastfeeding before or after a mammogram

By following these recommendations, breastfeeding women can safely undergo mammography screening while continuing to breastfeed their infants without interruption.