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Getting Called Back After a Mammogram
Getting called back after a screening mammogram is fairly common, and it doesn’t mean you have breast cancer. In fact, fewer than 1 in 10 women called back for more tests are found to have cancer.
Often, getting called back after a mammogram just means more images are needed. This could be another mammogram or other tests, such as an ultrasound, to look at an area of concern.
Most often, getting a callback after a mammogram does not mean you have breast cancer.
Why might I be called back?
You could be called back after your mammogram because:
- The pictures weren’t clear or didn't show some of your breast tissue, so they need to be retaken.
- The radiologist (doctor who reads the mammogram) sees something suspicious, such as calcifications or a mass (which could be a cyst or solid mass).
- The radiologist sees an area that looks different from other parts of the breast.
Getting called back is more common after your first mammogram or when there aren’t previous mammograms to compare. It's also more common in women who haven’t gone through menopause or have more dense breast tissue.
Sometimes when more mammograms are taken of an abnormal-looking area, or the area is compressed more, it no longer looks suspicious. Most often, the additional images show that the finding isn't cancer.
If you need more tests, ask your doctor about when these tests should be scheduled.
What will happen at the follow-up appointment?
You’ll likely get a diagnostic mammogram, which is done just like your first mammogram, but more pictures are taken so that any abnormal areas can be looked at more closely.
A radiologist will be on hand to advise the technologist (the person who operates the mammogram machine), to be sure they have all the images that are needed.
You might also get another imaging test, such as an ultrasound of the breast.
You will most likely be given the results of your tests during the visit. You might be told one of the following:
- The suspicious area on the mammogram turned out to be nothing to worry about and you can return to your normal mammogram schedule.
- The area is probably nothing to worry about, but you should have your next imaging test sooner than normal – usually in about 6 months – to make sure the area is not changing over time. This could be another mammogram, another imaging test such as an ultrasound, or a combination of tests.
- The area could be cancer, so you will need a biopsy to know for sure.
You should also get a letter with a summary of the findings that will tell you whether you need more tests and when you should schedule your next mammogram.
What if I need a biopsy?
During a breast biopsy, breast tissue is removed and checked for cancer under a microscope. Most biopsy results are not cancer, but a biopsy is the only way to know for sure.
There are different types of breast biopsies, some of which are done using a small, hollow needle and some that are done through a cut in the skin. The type you have depends on things like how suspicious the area looks, how big it is, where it is in the breast, other medical problems you might have, and your personal preferences.
Tips for coping while waiting for results
It’s normal to worry or have strong emotions while waiting for appointments and the results of tests, especially if you were told the results of your first mammogram weren’t normal.
Most often, breast changes are not cancer and are not life-threatening.
Talking about your feelings with a loved one, counselor, or other people who have been called back after a mammogram might help.
The American Cancer Society is available 24/7 at 1-800-227-2345 to answer your questions and provide support.
What if it’s cancer?
It’s important to take each step in the process one at a time and try not to jump ahead. If additional tests are suspicious for cancer, a biopsy will be done to be sure.
If a biopsy does show you do have breast cancer after a callback and you’re referred to a breast specialist, use these tips to make your appointment as useful as possible:
- Make a list of questions to ask.
- Take a family member or friend with you. They can serve as an extra pair of ears, take notes, help you remember things later, and give you support.
- Ask if you can record the conversations. You might also want to take notes.
- If someone uses a word you don’t know, ask them to spell it and explain it.
- Ask the doctors or nurses to explain anything you don’t understand.
- Written by
- References
Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Helvie MA, Patterson SK. Chapter 11: Imaging Analysis: Mammography. In: Harris JR, Lippman ME, Morrow M, Osborne CK, eds. Diseases of the Breast. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2014.
Scott AM, Lashley MG, Drury NB, Dale PS. Comparison of Call-Back Rates between Digital Mammography and Digital Breast Tomosynthesis. Am Surg. 2019;85(8):855-857.
Last Revised: July 23, 2026
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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