A mammogram is a special type of breast X-ray that uses low-dose x-rays. It's used to detect abnormalities in the breast that are too small to be detected by physical examination. This is the true value of mammography, as it detects disease before it can be detected by physical examination.

No medication or injections are administered during a mammogram. Depending on the individual's condition, tenderness may occur, especially in fibrocystic breasts and around the time of menstruation. For these women, minimal compression is applied to reduce pain.

Today's digital mammography systems use digital detectors instead of X-rays. The radiation dose is lower. Mammography is essentially a painless procedure, requiring no medication.