You’ve had your mammogram, so you can cross it off your to-do list. But what if you get a call to come back for more imaging? Getting a callback can be concerning, but it’s not unusual. About one in 10 patients receives a callback after a routine mammogram, especially if it’s their first one, and it’s usually not cancer. Our imaging experts explain why this happens and what to expect.
Why you might get a callback
After reviewing your mammogram, a radiologist might want more breast images for several reasons, including:
Dense breast tissue with a lot of overlap
Images that aren’t clear enough
Something in the image that looks unusual
When you return, the radiologist may take more detailed images, perform an ultrasound or both. Sometimes, your provider may recommend scheduling an MRI or biopsy for another day.
Very few callbacks lead to a cancer diagnosis
If 100 women get a screening mammogram, the radiologist will usually call 10 back for more imaging:
Of those 10, six will learn their mammograms are normal.
In two cases, something that doesn’t look like cancer may still appear in the image. The care team may want to watch it closely and ask the patient to return in six months for a follow-up.
For the remaining two patients, the doctor may recommend a biopsy. Of those two, about one in five is diagnosed with breast cancer.
Your chance of a breast cancer diagnosis after a screening mammogram is low — about 0.5 percent. When breast cancer is found early, before a lump can be felt, the survival rate is more than 98 percent. That’s why mammograms are so important: they can detect what fingers may not feel.
Mammograms save lives
Only a small number of screening mammograms lead to a cancer diagnosis, but that does not make them any less important. Regular mammograms can lower your risk of dying from breast cancer because they are one of the best tools for early detection. Even though the odds of a diagnosis after a screening mammogram are low, you should continue to schedule one every year.
Care you can trust for your breast health
At Luminis Health Breast Imaging, radiology experts and advanced imaging tools are conveniently available in one location. You’ll receive a test that offers clear information with the lowest radiation dose possible. We also offer 3-D mammography, which improves image quality and can reduce extra testing from unclear results, leading to fewer callbacks.
We’re here to support you with early detection, open communication and care you can trust.
Don’t miss the Pink Ribbon Rally
Join us for the annual Pink Ribbon Rally, featuring mammograms, clinical breast exams, music, food and more.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Place: Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center Emergency Department parking lot
All are welcome to come and schedule a mammogram. If you don’t have insurance, you can get a no-cost mammogram by bringing proof of address and income.
Dr. Marit Duffy is the chief of breast imaging at Luminis Health. She is certified in 3-D Breast Tomosynthesis and Breast MRI with Biopsy, and is a member of the Society of Breast Imaging. She is board certified by the American Board of Radiology.
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