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Question: I turned 40 this year, and I'm still breastfeeding. Should I get a yearly mammogram?

Karen Prior responds: It is recommended that women get annual mammograms after age 40. These annual screenings are usually done to try to detect early lumps or soft tissue changes. But during lactation, it can be very difficult to detect these early signs. If you have a known lump, a mammogram while you’re still lactating can be effective in determining the size and location of the lump.

There are two factors that can affect the quality of a mammogram on a lactating breast: how often your baby nurses, and the size of your milk supply. Nursing before the test and emptying the breast as much a possible can improve the quality of the mammogram.

I suggest talking with your health care provider to decide if you should have a mammogram while you are still lactating. If you decide you do need one, look for a radiologist with experience reading the mammograms of breastfeeding women.

© Karen Prior.

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Karen Prior’s impressive breadth of knowledge in the therapeutic uses of yoga, nutrition and prenatal fitness is backed by solid credentials: she is a registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance, a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, a clinical nutritionist and a retired La Leche League leader. Karen runs a Registered Yoga School, where she offers specialized training in prenatal yoga and yoga for children through her programs MamasteYoga and Let'sPlayYoga. Karen lives in Texas with her husband and young daughter.