Are mammograms while breastfeeding??

[kfillmore]

I guess I am due for a mammogram. I am also breastfeeding. Anyone know if that is safe? Or have any thoughts on it?

thanks

[Buzzer Beater]

How old are you?

When did you have your last mammogram?

How much longer will you breastfeed?

I had my last mammo before I got pg and I will wait until I am done bf to get another. I am 47, and have a titanium marker in my left breast to show areas of cellular changes- forget what it's called. I'm still comfortable waiting, even though my doc bugs me about it.

eta- now I remember it's just those calcium deposits.

[kfillmore]

I am 45. I had a mammagram (first and only) around 3 years ago. Don't know how much longer to breastfeeding but despite age hope to TTC soon.

[Buzzer Beater]

If you are going to wean to TTC I would do it then. Do you have risk factors in your family?

Here is a link I was looking at early about newer recommendations about mammo.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mammogram-guidelines/AN02052

Note- the ACS still recommends yearly, and I may move back to that soon, but I am one of those who feels like she had an unnecessary biopsy so I'm leery of the whole process. I do have breast cancer in my family tho.

[foreverinbluejeans]

You can have mammograms while breastfeeding but they are hard to read because the breast tissue is dense. It used to be mammograms weren't recommended until 50 so you may want to take that into consideration when making a decision (if you are thinking about weaning so you can get the best mammogram possible). Mammograms pick up very, very few cancers between age 40 and 50.

[foreverinbluejeans]

You can have mammograms while breastfeeding but they are hard to read because the breast tissue is dense. It used to be mammograms weren't recommended until 50 so you may want to take that into consideration when making a decision (if you are thinking about weaning so you can get the best mammogram possible). Mammograms pick up very, very few cancers between age 40 and 50.

[cameragirl]

You might be better off with an MRI while breastfeeding if insurance will cover it. Even digital mammograms can be hard to read due to density of breasts while nursing. If there are any lumps, ultrasound can be used as well.

I alternate between mammogram and mri due to my mother having breast cancer at 32, and me having very dense breasts. Luckily I got in before I got pregnant again, since I'll likely be nursing for awhile.