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Mammograms Are Imperative for Early Detection - October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Oct. 18 is National Mammography Day. Have you scheduled your yearly mammogram yet? Learn all you need to know about mammograms, including how it feels to have one and where you can go, with these tips from Susan G. Komen and BET.com. — Susan G. Komen and Dominique Zonyéé(Photo: Ranplett/Getty Images)

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Where Can I Get a Free Mammogram? - National Mammography Day encourages women and men to schedule mammograms.  Mammograms can cost $100 or more but in honor of National Mammography Day, free mammograms are given nationwide. Check the FDA site here for reduced or free mammogram centers in your area.(Photo: Catherine Lane/GettyImages)

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My Mammogram Check List - Signing up to get a Mammogram is as easy as seven simple steps.— Choose a certified mammography center — Pick a good time — Gather your information — Come prepared — Get your results — Go over your results with your doctor(Photo: Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post) 

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What Is a Mammogram? - Mammograms, or X-rays of the breasts, are imperative to early protection. Starting at age 40, women should get screened every year. Women under 40 with a family history of breast cancer or other concerns should discuss with their doctor which screening tests are right for them, according to the Susan G. Komen website.(Photo: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

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What to Expect - Before your mammogram, you will undress from the waist up. A mammogram takes about 15 minutes. During the procedure, each breast is pressed between two plates and an X-ray image is made. Two views of each breast are taken, one with the X-ray beam aimed from top to bottom and the other from side to side.  (Photo: GettyImages) 

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Do Mammograms Hurt? - Each breast is pressed between two plates to get a good X-ray image. Sometimes, the pressure may be uncomfortable, but it only lasts a few seconds. It should not hurt. Tell the technologist if you feel discomfort.(Photo: GettyImages)

Photo By GettyImages

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Film Versus Digital Mammography - X-ray images of the breast can be captured on film or stored directly onto a computer (digital). Digital images are viewed on a computer, so they can be lightened or darkened, and certain sections can be enlarged and looked at more closely. This ability to control the images on a computer makes digital mammography more accurate than film mammography for some women.(Photo: GettyImages)

Photo By GettyImages

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How Can a Mammogram Detect Cancer? - Mammogram images are stored on film or on a computer (digital). A radiologist looks at the image for signs of breast cancer or other breast changes. Breast cancer and some benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions are denser than fat and appear as a lighter shade of gray or white on an X-ray image. (Photo: PA Photos /Landov)

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Are Mammograms Accurate? - Mammograms are very accurate, but they are not perfect. Sometimes, they can miss cancer. That is why it is good to also have a clinical breast exam (CBE). Learn more about CBEs here.(Photo: Jupiterimages/GettyImages)

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How Can I Find Out More About Mammograms? - To learn more about mammograms, you can call the Susan G. Komen breast care helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636), talk to your health care provider or visit the American Cancer Society website here. (Photos from left: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images, Courtesy of Komen.org)