Every woman should understand the risks of breast cancer. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in women around the world. According to cancer.org, the average risk for women to get breast cancer is around 13%. Recent data also shows that there will be around 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women this year. 1 in 7 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime, even without a family history.

It is vital that women ages 40 and over get a mammogram once every year. There are situations where they are needed more often or earlier, though. It is commonly known that the goal of all mammograms is to detect breast cancer as early as possible. But, you may have other questions about these procedures. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about mammograms, including some you may not have even thought of.

Mastalgia, known simply as breast pain, isn’t uncommon. But, if you aren’t aware of your own body’s norms and what breast pain can mean, it can be scary to experience. First and foremost, if you have breast pain or are concerned, speak with your doctor. Then you can become familiar with the causes of pain and what you should keep an eye on.