Every mammogram is assigned a BI-RADS category, a standardized score radiologists use to describe what they see and to recommend next steps.
Categories 1 and 2 mean the study is normal or shows a clearly benign finding. Category 3 means something is probably benign but deserves a short-interval follow-up, usually in six months.
Categories 4 and 5 mean a biopsy is recommended. This is not a cancer diagnosis — most biopsies performed after a screening mammogram find benign tissue.
About one in ten women is called back after a screening mammogram, most often for additional images because breast tissue overlapped. Results are posted to the Goodways Patient Portal, and our breast health navigator will call you with any next steps.
This article is general health information and does not replace advice from your own care team. Talk with your provider about what applies to you.