Is it safe to get a mammogram while breastfeeding?

Mammography During Breastfeeding: Safety and Recommendations

Mammography is safe during breastfeeding and does not require interruption of breastfeeding. 1, 2

Safety of Mammography During Lactation

Mammography during lactation involves the following considerations:

• Mammography is completely safe for breastfeeding women and their infants 1, 2
• The radiation dose from mammography is extremely low and poses no risk to the breastfed infant 3
• No interruption of breastfeeding is required before or after mammography 2

Effectiveness Considerations

While mammography is safe, there are important effectiveness considerations:

• Lactating breasts typically have increased density due to milk-filled lobules, which may decrease mammographic sensitivity 1
• To optimize image quality and sensitivity:
  • Breastfeed or pump immediately before the examination 1
  • This helps minimize breast density and improves the sensitivity of screening mammography 1

Clinical Recommendations

For lactating women requiring breast imaging:

1. For screening purposes:

   • Continue scheduled breast cancer screening during lactation 1
   • Consider the woman's underlying risk factors and expected duration of lactation 1
   • Breastfeed or pump immediately before the examination 1

2. For diagnostic purposes (palpable mass):

   • Ultrasound is the first-line imaging examination due to its high sensitivity in lactating women 1
   • Mammography serves as a complementary examination if ultrasound is suspicious or inconclusive 1

Special Considerations

• Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (3D mammography) may be particularly beneficial for lactating women due to its ability to decrease the masking effect of dense breast tissue 1
• Contrast agents: If contrast-enhanced imaging is needed, all contrast agents (including iodinated and gadolinium-based) are considered safe during lactation 3, 2

Common Misconceptions

There are significant knowledge gaps among healthcare providers regarding radiological procedures in lactating women:

• A recent study found only 30.5% of healthcare professionals had excellent knowledge about imaging modalities for lactating mothers 4
• Some patients have been incorrectly advised to interrupt breastfeeding after imaging procedures 5
• These misconceptions may lead to unnecessary interruption of breastfeeding 4

Remember that mammography is safe during lactation, and with proper preparation (breastfeeding/pumping before the exam), it remains an effective screening and diagnostic tool for breast cancer detection.