Mammograms are not very useful in anyone under 30 years old or in
lactating women, particularly those nursing young babies--too much
glandular tissue.  The mammography recommedations are in flux at this
time.  The only clear recommendation is that women over 50 should have
one yearly.  (I've never cared for an over-50 lactating woman, although I'm
sure some of you may have!)

I still offer mammograms to women over 40 every 2-3 years, or annually if
they have a family history of breast cancer, particularly premenopausal.
I've cared for a few high-risk moms; I've recommended to them that they
wait until their supply is decreasing some (after starting supplements),
then nurse immediately before their mammograms.  I advise them that they
have a greater chance of having a false negative mammogram than a
non-lactating woman, and usually recommend that they have another when
they have completely weaned.

In any case, I'd encourage a mom to discuss the mammography
recommendations with her health care provider to decide how they apply to
her situation.

--
Anne Montgomery, M.D.
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St.Peter Hospital Family Practice Residency
Olympia, WA