Don't Panic, Mammogram Callbacks are Common

About 10 out of every 100 women are told they need more imaging after an initial screening, according to the American College of Radiology. This can be scary, but it's not uncommon and the vast majority of the callbacks turn out to be false alarms.

Women should never ignore a callback, which usually involves more extensive tests such as diagnostic mammograms, sonograms and biopsy. Early detection of breast cancer usually means less invasive treatment and high survival.

The percentage of callbacks tends to be higher for a first mammogram and declines with age. Younger women, typically in their 40s, have no prior mammograms for comparison purposes and younger women are more likely to have dense breast tissue than older women.