October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making it an important reminder for women to pay attention to their breast health and talk with their healthcare provider about mammograms.

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast used to look for early signs of breast cancer. While no screening test is perfect, mammography remains the best primary screening tool for finding breast cancer early in most women. In fact, mammograms can sometimes detect breast cancer years before a lump can be felt.

That matters because when breast cancer is discovered early, treatment can often begin sooner and patients may have more treatment options available.

When Should You Get a Mammogram?

For women at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammograms every two years from ages 40 through 74. Other organizations recommend annual screening for some age groups, so the right schedule can vary.

Your personal health history matters, too. Women with a family history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations or other risk factors may need to begin screening earlier or receive additional imaging. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual risk and the screening schedule that's right for you.

What Should You Expect?

If you've never had a mammogram, knowing what happens during the appointment can make the experience a little easier.

You'll undress from the waist up and stand in front of a mammography machine. A trained technologist will position one breast at a time between two plates. The breast is compressed for several seconds while images are taken from different angles.

The compression is necessary because spreading the breast tissue helps produce a clearer image. You may feel pressure or temporary discomfort, but the actual imaging process is brief.

A few tips can also make your appointment easier. Avoid wearing deodorant, lotion, powder or perfume around your breasts or underarms on the day of your mammogram because these products can interfere with the images. If your breasts tend to become tender around your menstrual period, consider scheduling your mammogram for another time of the month.

Understanding Your Results

After your mammogram, a radiologist will examine the images for anything that may require a closer look. It's also important to remember that being called back for additional imaging does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Sometimes the radiologist simply needs additional or more detailed images.

Your mammogram results will also tell you whether you have dense breast tissue. Dense breasts can make cancer more difficult to see on a mammogram and are also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. If you have dense breasts, talk with your healthcare provider about what that means for you and whether any additional screening should be considered.

Don't Wait for a Lump

Breast cancer doesn't always cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is exactly why routine screening is so important. Mammograms can find changes before you can see or feel them.

At the same time, know what's normal for your breasts. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice a new lump, changes in the breast or nipple, unusual nipple discharge, skin changes or anything else that concerns you.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, don't just wear pink. Make your breast health a priority. If you're due for a mammogram or aren't sure when you should begin screening, talk with your healthcare provider and make a plan that's right for you.