Called Back After a Mammogram?

“About 10% of all women who undergo screening mammography will get called back for additional imaging,” says Sheri Orban, a diagnostic imaging supervisor at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital Breast Health Center.

What Is a Mammogram Callback?

A callback means the imaging center asks you to return for more breast imaging. This typically happens after a screening mammogram, which checks for early signs of breast cancer before symptoms appear.

After reviewing the images, a radiologist may want a closer look at one or more areas. This does not mean you have cancer — and callbacks are more common than many people realize.

Why You May Be Called Back

Most callbacks happen for reasons other than cancer. Often, they are caused by normal breast changes.

Common reasons include:

• Abnormal findings that need a closer look, such as skin thickening, dimpling or retraction where parts of the skin or nipple are pulling inward
• Dense breast tissue, which can make mammograms harder to read
• Calcium deposits (calcifications), which are usually benign

“People with dense breasts or a family history of breast cancer may be more likely to need additional imaging, even when no cancer is present,” says Orban. “Sometimes, when the screening is a first (baseline) mammogram and no prior breast imaging exists, patients may also be called back.”

What Happens at the Follow-Up Appointment?

Many follow-up visits include a diagnostic mammogram, which focuses on a specific area and provides more detailed images. Unlike a screening mammography, results are often reviewed right away.

You may also need additional imaging, such as:

• A breast ultrasound, which uses a wand placed on the breasts to create pictures of the tissue inside
• A breast MRI, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of your breasts

If an area still looks concerning, a breast biopsy may be recommended. This involves removing a small sample of tissue for testing. Many biopsies show benign, or noncancerous, results. If a biopsy is recommended, it will likely be performed at a later date.

“The additional imaging appointment can be two to three hours,” says Orban. “It may include mammogram images focused on a specific area and/or targeted breast ultrasound. A radiologist will review the images while the patient waits. Once imaging is complete, the patient will be given written mammogram results.”

Your primary doctor also receives a mammogram report and will help guide next steps, if needed.

How Often Does a Callback Mean Cancer?

Fewer than one in 10 women* who are called back after a screening mammogram are diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Follow-up testing is meant to be careful and accurate — not alarming.

Callbacks are more common in those with dense breasts, and additional imaging can help detect cancer earlier, when treatment options may be most effective.

Managing Stress While You Wait

Feeling nervous or stressed while waiting for answers is normal. Try to focus on the facts: Most callbacks do not mean cancer. Write down questions, ask your care team for clarity and consider bringing a friend or family member to your appointment.

Callbacks are a routine part of breast care, and breast imaging specialists are there to guide you every step of the way.

“If a breast biopsy is recommended, there is a team of imaging and surgical nurse navigators to assist the patient throughout the process,” says Orban.

A mammogram callback allows radiologists to gather clearer information and provide accurate results. For many people, follow-up tests provide reassurance and a return to routine screening with peace of mind.

If you have questions or concerns, talk with your healthcare team about your next steps.

* Scientists do not always collect information from participants about gender identity. To avoid misrepresenting the results of this research, we use the same terminology as the study authors.